Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness has announced it is again offering science-related grants of up to $500 for local middle and high school teachers.

The grants can be used to fund a project in any area of science, technology, engineering or math (STEM); however, proposals that promote an increased understanding of atomic and nuclear fundamentals, radiation and nuclear materials safety, and applications of nuclear technology will be given extra consideration.

Middle and high school teachers in the South Carolina counties of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield and Orangeburg; and in the Georgia counties of Columbia, Richmond and Burke are invited to submit proposals. Teachers who are members of CNTA are also eligible to apply, regardless of school location.

“STEM education starts early in the classrooms, and we want to help our students develop their understanding of the STEM fields to, hopefully, spark an interest that inspires them to one day pursue careers in these important areas, especially nuclear,” said Dr. Jim Marra, CNTA executive director. “And we help our students by first helping to equip our teachers in setting them up for success. We want to help fund STEM projects and supplies through CNTA’s educator grants.”

CNTA developed the educator grants program as an alternative to its classroom and field trip experiences for teachers. Previous winning projects include using “cloud chambers to visualize ionizing radiation” and “high-tech spy tech: drones in the classroom.”

Teachers are encouraged to work with their colleagues on a cooperative project. Proposals are encouraged to leverage and make use of existing resources, such as kits that are available at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center.

The applications will be evaluated under criteria that includes identification and demonstration of learning objectives/curriculum concepts that will be enhanced by this grant, as well as how students will be involved and how many will be impacted.

Grant proposal packages have been emailed to high school principals. Proposal packages are also available online at cntaware.org/educator-grants-program.

Applications can be completed by one teacher or a group of teachers. Proposals can be submitted for grants in any amount up to $500.

Applications must be received by CNTA by close of business on Jan. 31, 2022. Winners and non-winners will be notified before March 31, 2022.

For a complete list of rules and to receive an application, contact CNTA at CNTA@bellsouth.net or call 803-649-3456.

CNTA partners with other organizations and companies to provide these grants. Sponsors include American Nuclear Society-Savannah River, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Savannah River National Laboratory, and SRSCRO.

CNTA is an Aiken-based charitable educational organization dedicated to providing factual information about nuclear topics and educating the public on nuclear issues. Find out more at www.cntaware.org.