BULLHEAD CITY – Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) has awarded the 2024 SunWatts Education Grant as a continuing show of support for renewable energy education. MEC is proud to support local educators’ efforts in going the extra mile by using innovative ideas to help local youth learn sustainable concepts. The SunWatts Education Grant program is part of MEC’s commitment to our community and is funded through REST (Renewable Energy Standard Tariff) program. Funds from the grant will be used to teach students about sustainability through curriculums designed and implemented by the grant winners.
Educators Geni Borland of Desert Star Academy and Samantha Penfold of Fort Mojave Elementary School were the recipients of this year’s education grant. Borland received $1,340 for her Renewable Energy and Farm-to-Table Lunch program. Penfold received $536 to support her students building solar ovens to learn about how to harness the sun as a renewable resource. Representatives from MEC delivered the checks with congratulations to Borland and Penfold on October 16.
Penfold expressed, “The grant will assist first grade students by allowing them to learn about renewable energy, specifically solar energy, by building simple solar ovens and cooking a s’more treat. This hands-on activity will teach students the basic principles of how solar energy can be harnessed and its importance as a renewable resource. Thanks again for supporting local classrooms.”
Educators interested in applying for the grant in 2025 can look for the announcement on the website early next year. For other MEC education programs, including the $200 classroom grants, please see mohaveelectric.com.
