Salina Central, Abilene, Get Grant From Westar

Salina Central High School and Abilene Middle School are among 10 schools in Kansas awarded grant money from Westar energy.

According to Westar, “Lego Mindstorms,” “Imaginary dreamhouse with circuits,” and “Safer buildings for better lives” are just a few of the project names that will be funded by a first-ever Westar Energy STEM grant.

STEM grants support K-12 teachers and schools in their effort to develop, improve or expand innovative instructional programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Ten schools throughout the Westar Energy service territory were selected from 20 applications to receive $500 grants. Winners were selected by Westar Energy employees who use STEM skills in their everyday jobs. Having a strong background in STEM skills is crucial to students seeking a career in the energy industry. The STEM grants are funded by the Westar Energy Foundation. Grants will continue to be awarded annually.

Schools receiving grants:

* Abilene Middle School “Lego Mindstorms”
* Bartlett Grade School “Imaginary dream house with circuits”
* Derby Middle School “Energy generation and distribution through energy grid”
* Olathe North High School “Machine engineering challenge
* Pleasant Valley Middle School “Safer buildings for better lives”
* Riverside Leadership Magnet “Creation of electrical circuits * through science exploration stations”
* Salina Central High School “Design, construct and test devices that transform energy”
* St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School “Electrical probeware and interface equipment”
* St. Peter Catholic School “Electricity and conductors”
* West Elementary School “Butterfly project”