First Choice Power Awards Grants to Fund Energy-Related Projects for Texas Students

Classroom Energy Innovation Grants provide much-needed resources for teachers

News provided by

First Choice Power

Dec 07, 2010, 08:00 ET

IRVING, Texas, Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Students in 13 schools across the state will be learning about the important topic of energy in exciting ways next semester, thanks to grants provided by retail electric provider First Choice Power. The allocation of funds is a result of the company's Classroom Energy Innovation Grant™ program for which teachers submit proposals for special energy-related projects.

"Teachers have the power to engage their students' minds and imaginations, but because of budget shortages, it is often difficult for them to implement projects that require additional funds," said Brian Hayduk, president, First Choice Power. "This grant program allows teachers to provide something special for their students, making energy an exciting topic in the classroom."

Applications for the grants, submitted by teachers in communities served by First Choice Power, were due Oct. 15. The recipients were notified in December, allowing them time to prepare their programs for the spring 2011 semester.

Highlights from the list of grant recipients include:

  • Christopher Tamez, whose fifth-grade students at William Lipscomb Elementary in Dallas will learn if the chemical energy in fruits and vegetables are enough to power an LED clock.

"Energy is a topic that students can apply to their lives in many capacities, and I am excited to see this project come to life as they learn," Tamez said.

  • Lucy Lara's Crockett Middle School students in Pecos will measure kinetic energy by using marbles to simulate a roller coaster.

  • Beverly Howe from Lamkin Elementary in Cypress students will experiment with various insulation materials to see which is the most energy-efficient.

"I believe it's important for today's students to learn ways we can be more energy-efficient in our daily lives," Howe said. "So with this project, I hope the kids see how a simple thing like insulation can make a difference."

  • Summer Telck's senior high students at Robert E. Lee in Midland will be learning practical ways that students can help save energy.

First Choice Power local sales team members will be delivering the grants throughout December and January to the winning teachers. To stay up-to-date with photos and stories on the grant deliveries, visit The Current blog at www.firstchoicepower.com/blog. For a full list of grant recipients, visit www.firstchoicepower.com/innovation.

About First Choice Power

First Choice Power is an energy company committed to identifying what is most important to our customers and putting their needs first. Texas business and residential customers can depend on First Choice Power for competitive pricing and excellent customer service. First Choice Power is committed to giving back to the communities it serves through its Food First™ hunger initiative, Reduce Your Use Grants™, Classroom Energy Innovation Grants™, recycling efforts and supporting employees' community engagement. Learn more at www.FirstChoicePower.com. Keep up to date on the latest energy news and join the conversation by following us on Twitter @firstchoicepwr, Facebook facebook.com/FirstChoicePower or The Current blog, www.FirstChoicePower.com/blog.

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SOURCE First Choice Power