Ohio · Private / Regional Grant

FirstEnergy + AEP Ohio + Duke Energy Ohio: STEM Education Grants

Ohio's major electric utilities — FirstEnergy, AEP Ohio, and Duke Energy Ohio — each fund STEM education programs in their service territories, supporting hands-on science, technology, and energy literacy for Ohio K-12 students.

Funding

$1,000–$30,000 (varies by utility)

Eligibility

Schools and nonprofits in Ohio utility service territories

Grade Focus

K-12

Subject

STEM / Energy / Technology

Deadline

Various (check each utility's community programs page)

Type

Private / Regional Grant

About This Grant

Ohio's energy landscape includes some of the country's largest electric utilities, all with active community investment programs. FirstEnergy serves northeast Ohio including Cleveland, Akron, and the Mahoning Valley. AEP Ohio covers central and southwest Ohio. Duke Energy Ohio serves the Cincinnati metro area. Each utility runs independent education grant programs for schools in their service territories.

Energy literacy and STEM workforce development are natural priorities for utility funders. Programs that help Ohio students understand electricity, energy systems, climate, and technology — and that connect to careers in the energy sector — resonate with all three utilities. Physical computing projects that measure energy use, model electrical systems, or explore renewable energy are particularly well-aligned.

Reaching out to community affairs staff at multiple utilities before applying is worthwhile — Ohio utilities often coordinate on large education initiatives and may co-fund programs that serve students across service territories.

View FirstEnergy + AEP Ohio + Duke Energy Ohio: STEM Education Grants →

Eligibility

Ohio K-12 schools and nonprofits in FirstEnergy, AEP Ohio, or Duke Energy Ohio service territories
Programs with a clear STEM education focus tied to energy, environment, or technology careers
Priority for programs serving Title I or high-need communities in utility service areas
Applications should demonstrate community benefit and measurable student outcomes

Allowable Uses

Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
CS and AI literacy curriculum
Teacher professional development
Energy literacy activities, STEM career exploration, and field experiences at energy facilities

Forward Education Products for This Grant

Forward Education offers classroom-ready kits that align with Ohio CS standards and fit cleanly into grant budgets. All kits include teacher guides and curriculum.

micro:bit Starter Kit — Entry-level physical computing, perfect for introducing coding and computational thinking.
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — Hands-on AI literacy curriculum covering machine learning concepts for K-12 classrooms.
Coding for Good Kit — Project-based learning kit connecting coding skills to real-world community challenges.
micro:bit Robotics Kit — Advanced robotics and engineering challenges for deeper CS exploration.

Keep in Mind

Apply to all three utilities if your program serves students across multiple Ohio service territories.
Energy career connections are compelling — Ohio utilities are building their future workforce and value programs that inspire STEM career interest.
Corporate utility grants are relationship-driven; attend community events and meet community affairs staff before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply separately to each utility?

Yes. FirstEnergy, AEP Ohio, and Duke Energy Ohio run independent grant programs with separate applications.

What counties does each utility serve?

FirstEnergy: northeast Ohio. AEP Ohio: central and southwest. Duke Energy Ohio: Cincinnati metro. Check each utility's website for exact service territory maps.

Can coding and robotics qualify for utility grants?

Yes, especially when framed around energy literacy or technology career pathways. A project using sensors to monitor energy use is a natural fit.

Are utility grants renewable?

Programs with strong outcomes are often renewed. Utilities appreciate long-term community partnerships over one-time grants.

How can Forward Education help?

We provide curriculum alignment documents mapped to Ohio CS standards, pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for qualifying applications. Reach out before you apply.