Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E) and the OGE Energy Corp. Foundation, Inc. will provide $70,000 to help fund teachers’ projects for the 2018-2019 school year. Funding for qualifying projects will be provided through DonorsChoose.org, a crowdfunding platform for educators.
This year public school teachers will have two funding opportunities for their classroom projects:
Matching funds
OG&E and the OGE Energy Corp. Foundation will match funds for projects requesting books, educational kits, games, and lab equipment if they meet the following STREM criteria:
· Math and Science — includes mathematics, environmental science, health and life sciences, and applied science
· Literacy and Language – includes literacy, literature, and writing
Matching funds will be available to projects in public schools that are located in OG&E’s service area with at least 75 percent of students from low-income households. Projects must have a total cost of $600 or less. If the teacher’s project meets the criteria, donors will see their donations to the project double, dollar-for-dollar, to help bring the teacher’s project to life.
Energy efficiency funds
New this year, OG&E will help fund up to $500 for projects that promote or teach energy efficiency and/or projects requesting EPA-rated products for the classroom. Energy efficiency funds are available for qualifying projects in all public schools located within the company’s Oklahoma service area.
“Providing teachers with funds for STREM projects is one way OG&E and the OGE Energy Corp. Foundation can help students prepare for their future careers, and also support the schools and teachers in the communities we serve,” said Kathleen O’Shea, OG&E spokesperson. “We’re excited to add in energy efficiency project funding this year to help educate students and teachers about ways to use energy more efficiently.”
Since 2003, OG&E has donated $430,000 for teachers’ classroom projects as part of its continued efforts to support and strengthen its communities through education. Last year, the company moved its teacher grant program to DonorsChoose.org where OG&E and the OGE Energy Corp. Foundation matched donations for STREM projects to help fund 182 classroom projects.
Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company, a subsidiary of OGE Energy Corp., is Oklahoma’s largest electric utility.
The OGE Energy Corp. Foundation Inc. provides grants to 501(c)(3) charities to support programs, organizations and institutions that enhance quality of life and economic well-being in the communities where OGE operates.
