(Story courtesy Battelle Savannah River Alliance)
AIKEN – Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA), which manages and operates the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management (EM), is now accepting applications for its 2026 K-12 Catalyst Grants.
This program provides $125,000 in total funding to support innovative STEM education projects that aim to inspire and engage students in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). Teachers in the CSRA can apply for grants of $2,500 or $5,000 to fund STEM-based activities in their classrooms. Applications are open now through May 30, with grant recipients to be announced in August 2026.
“The K-12 Catalyst Grants reflect our deep commitment to advancing STEM education in our community,” said Johney Green, director of SRNL and president and CEO of BSRA. “These grants equip educators with the resources they need to unlock students’ imaginations, connect classroom learning to real-world challenges, and prepare them for bright futures in STEM fields.”
Last year’s program drew 83 applications with 29 exceptional teachers receiving funding — 19 from Georgia and 10 from South Carolina. These educators brought inspiring, STEM-focused projects to life, such as robotics and coding clubs, environmental science experiments, and creative uses of technology in the classroom to spark curiosity and excitement among students while preparing them for future careers.
Additional resources to guide applicants, including a sample application, frequently asked questions, and examples of winning projects from previous years are available on the Catalyst Grant webpage.
Applications will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of SRNL scientists, engineers, and leaders who will assess creativity, real-world relevance, alignment with STEM curriculum standards, and the clarity and feasibility of proposed goals and budget. Grant recipients are also expected to share insights and outcomes from their projects with the broader educational community, further amplifying the program’s reach and impact.
Battelle Savannah River Alliance manages and operates Savannah River National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management (EM). EM transforms the nation’s environmental liabilities into opportunities for innovation, job creation, and economic growth, while ensuring safe, secure, and prosperous communities across America. For more information, visit energy.gov/em.
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