Fulton County Middle School receives STEM Grant

Fulton County Middle School has been awarded a $5,000 STEM Classroom Grant through the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the TVA retiree organization Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc. (BVI). 

The grant program empowers teachers across the region to provide hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, helping students explore innovation in real-world ways.

STEM education goes far beyond coding, 3D printing, and drone technology. It equips youth with vital skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and creative problem solving—skills that are essential in any future career path. TVA and BVI are dedicated to expanding these opportunities. 

Since 2018, they have invested nearly $8 million in STEM awards, reaching more than 730,000 students across the Tennessee Valley. 

The program is operated in partnership with the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network and managed by the Battelle organization. 

Awards of up to $5,000 are distributed through a competitive process, with priority given to projects that engage TVA’s core focus areas: environmental stewardship, energy solutions, economic development, and community problem solving.

In partnership with Hickman Electric, Fulton County Middle School earned the grant for a project titled “Hydroponic Heroes.” 

This initiative will introduce students to environmentally friendly hydroponic growing systems and provide them with the equipment needed to raise fresh vegetables inside the school. 

By growing produce without soil and using reduced water consumption, students will experience firsthand how modern agriculture, science, and technology can work together to address local needs.

The vegetables harvested through the Hydroponic Heroes project will directly support the Fulton County Backpack Program, sponsored by the Fulton County Cafeteria and FRYSC (Family Resource and Youth Services Center). 

This program provides weekend food support to students and families facing food insecurity by sending nutritious items home in backpacks. 

The Hydroponic Heroes project not only brings STEM concepts to life—it also allows students to give back to their community through meaningful, service-focused learning.