Southeast Kentucky Chamber Awards $10,000 in Education Grants

PIKEVILLE, KY (February 21, 2025) – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce recently awarded $10,000 to 7 schools in the region through its annual Excellence in Education Grant Program—three schools in Floyd County, two in Johnson County, and two in Pike County.

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s Excellence in Education Grant Program awards educators with funding for innovative projects that enrich the education of students across the region. The Chamber seeks to provide supplemental funding to programs that aid students academically, whether that’s in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, or art, music, and drama departments. The Excellence in Education Grant Program has awarded more than $90,000 to schools across Southeast Kentucky.

“We’re excited to be able to help fund projects that enable students to have more hands-on learning experiences,” said Jordan Gibson, President & CEO of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber. “We understand that today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce. So, we’re committed to supporting our educators as they strive to provide high quality educational programs that help students succeed.”

Allen Elementary (Floyd), Floyd Central High (Floyd), Floyd County Head Start & Preschool (Floyd), Highland Elementary (Johnson), Johnson Central High (Johnson), Phelps Elementary (Pike), Pikeville Elementary (Pike), all received grant funding through this year’s program.

Allen Elementary received $1,500 for a new media club. The club, formed in 2024, sought funding to purchase additional equipment needed to film events, record weekly school news, and produce podcasts. This equipment is intended to provide middle school students with valuable hands-on experience in broadcasting, film production, and media before progressing to the Floyd County School of Innovation, who received grant funding in 2024.

Floyd Central High received $1,500 in funding to support a Marketplace Simulations project that will provide 20 Business Communications students (grades 10–12) with a valuable, hands-on, real-world business experience. Over the course of a four-week period, students will engage in managing virtual companies, which will teach them essential skills in strategic decision-making, communication, and problem-solving. This project not only offers practical experience but also aligns with Kentucky’s Academic and Administrative Support Standards, ensuring students gain relevant knowledge and skills to succeed in the business world

Floyd County Head Start & Preschool received $1,500 in funding to support the Preschool Classroom on Wheels, a mobile program designed to enhance kindergarten readiness. This initiative delivers early learning lessons to children and families in Floyd County, while providing take-home materials to extend learning at home. Over a 12-month period, the program will benefit 50 families, ensuring children have the foundational skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

Highland Elementary received $1,500 in funding to support their broadcasting team’s request for a new video camera. The new equipment will enhance students' media production skills, improve the quality of school broadcasts, and foster greater engagement and creativity across the entire school community. This initiative aims to provide students with valuable hands-on experience in broadcasting while promoting a stronger connection within the school.

Johnson Central High received $1,500 in funding to support the engineering department’s request for a new 3D printer to aid in the "EagleX" solar car project. The project, which involves 60 students across various career pathways, aims to enhance their work on the car's design and preparation for the upcoming Solar Car Challenge. This follows a successful 4th place finish and the winning of the Oncor Award in 2024. The new printer will help to further refine the design and engineering process for future competitions.

Phelps Elementary received $1,300 in funding to replace a classroom sublimation printer. This grant will enable 30-35 gifted and talented students annually in grades K-6 to integrate STEM, art, and entrepreneurship through creative projects such as personalized designs, fundraising products, and educational materials. Over the next decade, the new printer will enhance students' hands-on learning experiences, fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity in various academic areas.

Pikeville Elementary received $1,200 in funding to support their gifted and talented program’s request for two Bambu Lab P1S 3D printers. The new printers will enhance STEM education, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration among approximately 110 students in grades K-6. This grant will provide students with hands-on opportunities to explore and develop essential skills in engineering and design.

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber’s Excellence in Education Grant Program funds more than $8,000 in educational projects annually for schools in the Chamber’s eight-counties service area: Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike. Grant applications open annually in October and are awarded in January.

For more information about the Chamber’s Excellence in Education Grant program, visit the Chamber online at www.sekchamber.com/educationgrants or call 606.432.5504.

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is located at 178 College Street in Pikeville and serves more than 500 businesses in eight Eastern Kentucky Counties: Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike. The Chamber’s mission is to serve the businesses of Southeastern Kentucky through a commitment to networking, advocacy, education, and collaboration as we partner together to enhance the business climate in our region.