Donation from TVA aids STEM school

photo STEM school teachers, foreground, meet in Kim Stanley's English classroom as the entire student body, background, receives training from Apple technicians on the use of their new iPads on Monday on the first day of school.

The Tennessee Valley Authority donated $16,500 to Hamilton County's new science, technology, engineering and math high school. In all, officials said TVA has given $100,000 to half a dozen STEM schools across the state.

TVA Vice President Justin Maierhofer said the organization's giving to public education focuses on programs in STEM fields, which are vital to TVA's workforce.

"We support initiatives like the STEM schools that develop a talent pipeline for TVA and its customers," Maierhofer said in a statement. "Our employees also support our partner schools by volunteering their time."

The Hamilton County STEM High School opened in August with 75 freshmen. A new class will be added each year until the school reaches its full enrollment of 300 students.

The school was started in part by a $1.8 million state grant. To qualify, school systems had to garner support from area businesses, higher education institutions and philanthropic organizations.

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