TVA Awards $700,000 to 187 Schools and Nonprofits
August 18, 2026, 9:00 p.m.

KNOXVILLE - The Tennessee Valley Authority and Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., announced $700,000 in award funding for robotics education at 187 schools and non-profit organizations that serve students across TVA’s seven-state region. A total of 7,431 students will benefit from the investment.

It is the second year that TVA and BVI have partnered for the robotics awards program. “TVA and BVI are deeply committed to expanding access to robotics education across our seven‑state region,” said Interim TVA President and CEO Mike Skaggs. “These hands‑on skills open doors to a wide range of career paths, and we’re focused on preparing today’s students to become tomorrow’s skilled, confident workforce.”

The funding can be used to create a new robotics program or enhance a program that already exists. The Boys and Girls Club of the Golden Triangle in Starkville, Mississippi, is among the winners.

“Award funding will launch and sustain a comprehensive robotics initiative serving 1,005 students in grades 7–12 across Oktibbeha, Lowndes, and Clay counties by supporting equipment acquisition, instructional materials, staffing, and participation in structured robotics instruction, mentorship, and competitive events,” said Grant Development and Special Events Administrator Paulette Ferguson.

“This investment will expand equitable access to high-quality, hands-on STEM learning, resulting in improved academic achievement.”

Other examples of how the winners intend to use the funding include:

• The IMPACT Center for Leadership and Innovation in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is in its inaugural school year and said it will use $5,000 to purchase expanded robotics kits, advanced motors and sensors, control systems, fabrication materials, electronics prototyping tools, and additional competition resources.

• Loretto High School in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, is starting a new robotics program. A $5,000 award will help purchase equipment, kits, and other materials.

“Robotics gives students something lasting: the experience of problem-solving under pressure, working as a team and seeing their own ideas come to life,” said Adam Wolcott, BVI director of operations. “BVI is honored to stand alongside TVA in this effort, helping bring robotics programs to schools across the Tennessee Valley.”

Any school or non-profit that receives electricity from a local power company served by TVA was eligible to apply. A complete list of winners can be found at tva.com/robotics. The robotics program is similar to TVA and BVI’s long-standing STEM awards. Applications for this year’s STEM awards are being accepted now through September 15, at tva.com/STEM.