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Pioneer Electric Cooperative is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 Energy for Learning, awarded to 10 local teachers to support innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) projects in their classrooms. These grants, funded by the cooperative’s Operation Round Up foundation, highlight Pioneer Electric’s commitment to empowering education and fostering growth in the communities it serves.

Lownds County Public Schools Education Specialist Susan Butts received a $500 Energy for Learning grant. Butts will use her grant funds to purchase Ozobots for middle schoolers, which teach students about coding and robotics. 

Through Energy for Learning grants, Pioneer Electric aims to provide resources for projects that spark curiosity, deepen learning and inspire the next generation of innovators. Selected projects range from robotics and coding activities to hands-on science experiments and art-infused technology lessons.

“Supporting our local educators is one of the most impactful ways we can invest in our communities,” said Pioneer Electric VP of Communications Christi Scruggs. “These teachers are shaping the future, and we are proud to help bring their creative ideas to life.”

Operation Round Up, the funding source for these grants, is powered by the generosity of Pioneer Electric members who voluntarily round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The spare change collected from this program directly supports initiatives like the Energy for Learning grants and other community-focused programs.

Pioneer Electric Cooperative congratulates the following grant recipients:

• Christina Brumbeloe, W.O. Parmer Elementary School
• Susan Butts, Hayneville Middle School and Lowndes Middle School
• Bridgette Cook, Butler County Career Academy
• Alex Medina, Southside High School
• Nancy Nelson, Keith Middle High School
• Darlene Odom, McKenzie School
• Porsha Oliver-Hall, Southside High School
• Judy Smith, Georgiana School
• Jessica Tadlock, McKenzie School
• Stephanie Williams, J.E. Hobbs Elementary School

Butts said community grants like the Pioneer Electric award, are helping to fund the school system’s STEM programs.

“We have gotten so much support in Lowndes County for the stem push,” Butts said. “Lowndes County has helped support our students and believe in our students. And I’m just very proud of the program that’s bringing this together. It’s hard to raise money for different projects, but it’s been very well received, and I’m just very thankful.”

About Pioneer Electric Cooperative
Pioneer Electric Cooperative is dedicated to providing reliable energy and exceptional service to its members while fostering community growth and education. Guided by the cooperative principle of serving people, not making profits, Pioneer Electric continues to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves.

The Operation Round Up program is just one of the many ways Pioneer Electric gives back to local communities. Since the program’s inception in 2021, the Foundation has awarded more than $300,000 in grants to individuals and organizations. More information about Operation Round Up is available at www.pioneerelectric.com/operation-round.