Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
Area teachers have a chance to win up to $1,000 for science-related grants from Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA).
CNTA’s Educator Grants Program applications are open. K-12 teachers in the South Carolina counties of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, and Orangeburg; and in the Georgia counties of Columbia, Richmond, and Burke are invited to submit proposals. Teachers who are members of CNTA are also eligible to apply, regardless of school location.
The grants can be used to fund a project in any area of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics with preference given to those that promote an increased understanding of atomic and nuclear fundamentals, radiation and nuclear materials safety, and applications of nuclear technology. Projects are expected to include some aspects of research design, the scientific method broadly, or an introduction to scientific inquiry to be considered.
“Teachers are critical to the success of the future of STEM, including nuclear,” said Allison Molnar, CNTA Executive Director. “The interest to pursue important careers in the nuclear industry is often piqued in the classroom, and we want to give students the opportunity to become fascinated with STEM fields. This starts with equipping teachers with the right tools. Our Educator Grants will help fund STEM projects and supplies.”
Teachers are encouraged to work with their colleagues on a cooperative project, as well as leverage and make use of existing resources, such as kits that are available at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center.
The applications will be evaluated under criteria that includes identification and demonstration of learning objectives/curriculum concepts that will be enhanced by this grant, as well as how students will be involved and how many will be impacted.
Grant proposal packages have been emailed to school administrators. Proposal packages are also available online at cntaware.org/educator-grants-program.
Applications must be received by CNTA by close of business on February 28, 2026. Winners and non-winners will be notified in mid-April. Grant recipients will be recognized at the 2026 Annual Edward Teller Banquet and will be invited to attend a summer Up & Atom breakfast.
For a complete list of rules and to receive an application, contact CNTA at office@cnta ware.org or call 803 649-3456.
The CNTA Educator Grants Program is sponsored by Battelle Savannah River Alliance/Savannah River National Laboratory, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Southern Nuclear Plant Vogtle, and private gifts from anonymous donors.
