Electric cooperative trust program awards $75,000 in grants to local teachers
Pictured: 2021-2022 Power Up Grant Recipient Melissa Harris (Branson) & her classroom showcasing resources purchased with grant funding.
Branson, MO –
The White River Valley Electric Trust Board proudly awards $75,000 to 22 local schools in Christian, Douglas, Ozark, Stone, and Taney counties. Teachers located at schools within White River Valley Electric Cooperative’s five-county service area were eligible to apply for monies through Power Up — the organization’s annual educational grant program.
The $75,000 awarded in Power Up grants will enhance the education of area students by providing teachers funds to purchase additional resources for their classrooms. Applicants submitted proposals to promote higher learning and meet school standards. Teachers submitted a plan with an itemized list of supplies and a letter of project approval from their respective school district’s administrative office. 123 out of 172 applications were approved.
“The Operation Round Up program offers a great opportunity for White River to come alongside teachers and students in our communities and show them that education is a priority for the Co-op,” said Cynthia Glenn, a director of the WRVEC Trust Board.
Power Up educational grants are funded through Operation Round Up – the Trust’s primary funding source for community-centric aid. Funds come from cooperative members who allow their bills to be rounded-up to the next dollar. More than $4.9 million has been contributed to the community since ORU’s inception in 1992.
“Members of White River Valley Electric Cooperative are to be commended for their participation in the Operation Round Up Program,” said Eddie Goins, a Director of the Trust, “Thanks to their participation we are able to bless many people and organizations in White River’s five county area!”
The following schools employ the 2022-23 grant recipients:
Ava, Blue Eye, Bradleyville, Branson, Chadwick, Forsyth, Gainesville, Galena, Hollister, Legacy Christian Academy, Lutie, Mark Twain, Nixa, Ozark, Plainview, Reeds Spring, Skyline, SOFO, Sparta, Spokane, Taneyville, and Thornfield.
For more information about the grant program and a full list of awarded teachers, visit whiteriver.org/community/operation-round-up/power-up/ .
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White River Valley Electric Cooperative is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative dedicated to ensuring our members receive safe and reliable service in their homes and businesses across five southwest Missouri counties including Ozark, Taney, Stone, Christian and Douglas.
