Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) is now accepting applica- tions for the Innovative Mini Grants Program, a competitive process that rewards innovative elementary and middle school educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Public and private teachers in Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell and Edgefield counties in South Carolina, and Columbia and Richmond counties in Georgia are invited to participate.

Beginning this year, educators may now submit grant applications online. A rule change has been put into effect, as well. For Category A ($500), Category B ($750) or Category C ($1,000) grants, educators may apply as a single applicant or as a team with no more than three members.

During the last 11 years, SRNS has donated $700,000 to enhance local education through this program.

“Mini grants give us the opportunity to fund our ideas. Teachers get ideas for exciting and creative les- sons, but sometimes we don’t have the materials or funds to implement them. The grants provide that opportunity,” said Amber Bryan, a science teacher at Merriwether Middle School in North Augusta, S.C.