Bright Futures
How Area Education Grants Are Shaping Tomorrow's Innovators
Ryker Bush
The Ashland Beacon
School is more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic—it’s a world of possibilities. Every day, students step into classrooms filled with opportunities to explore new ideas, develop new skills, and work together to create something amazing. From clubs to sports to STEM activities, these experiences are designed to set them up for success. But none of this would be possible without resources—and, let’s face it, they don’t always come cheap.
To fund their classroom projects and special activities, many teachers go above and beyond, often spending their own money to provide the materials and supplies their students need. But there’s good news: there’s an incredible program helping to ease this burden, making it easier for educators to provide exciting, innovative learning experiences.
Since 1983, the AEG program has been supporting teachers and students in Boyd and Greenup counties, helping educators bring their creative ideas to life. These grants provide funding for projects that enhance the learning experience—whether it’s hands-on STEM activities, unique art projects, or community-based initiatives. The best part? Teachers don’t have to dig into their pockets to make these projects happen. The process is simple, and the rewards are great.
Here’s how it works:
Create an Exciting Project: Teachers develop an engaging, innovative project to spark student interest.
Submit for Funding: They submit their ideas for review.
AEG Advisory Board Reviews: The AEG Advisory Board selects projects that inspire and challenge students.
Complete the Project: Teachers implement their projects in the classroom.
Showcase the Results: AEG Board members visit classrooms to see the success firsthand.
Teachers from all Boyd and Greenup County schools are eligible to apply, and AEG offers up to $500 per project. Applications are open on www.DonorsChoose.org from August 1st to October 11th.
This year, Ashland Independent Schools had five teachers who received an Area Education Grant. Let’s take a look at the incredible projects they brought to life.
ENGINEERING THE FUTURE
Students in Mrs. Amber Mauk’s class at Hager Elementary are diving into the world of engineering with STEM kits that make learning fun! From building machines with moving parts to collaborating with classmates on creative designs, these young engineers are gaining problem-solving, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills—while having a blast.
ARCADE ARCHITECTS: BUILD, CODE, PLAY
Mr. Mark Harmon’s class at Ashland Middle School is taking “play” to the next level by designing custom arcade cabinets and coding their own games using Microsoft MakeCode Arcade. They’re not only learning coding and game design but also working with the graphic design class to personalize their creations. Add in some hands-on experience with power tools, and this project is a total winner.
AEROAID: EMPOWERING RELIEF WITH DRONE TECHNOLOGY
Mr. Jay Hale’s students are taking innovation to new heights—literally! By developing a hexacopter drone prototype that can deliver emergency supplies, they’re combining technology, engineering, and community service. With the help of experts from Marshall University, Marathon, and local fire departments, this project is more than just a cool tech demo; it’s a real-world solution to disaster relief.
JUMANJI COMES TO LIFE!
Mrs. Kelsey Price’s students at Hager Elementary turned the classic Jumanji board game into an interactive, brain-bending adventure. Working in teams, students answer riddles, solve challenges, and use their creativity to reach the center of the board. It’s a perfect mix of teamwork, critical thinking, and a whole lot of fun!
TINY HANDS WITH BIG IDEAS
In Mrs. Megan Woods’ kindergarten class, tiny hands are working hard to develop fine motor skills that will set the stage for academic success. By using tools like Play-Doh, beads, and laces, students are strengthening finger muscles, improving hand-eye coordination, and getting ready to tackle everything from writing to math—all while playing and having fun!
These projects show how teachers are going above and beyond to provide their students with unique and engaging learning opportunities. It’s proof that when teachers and students collaborate and aim high, amazing things can happen. Together, they’re creating a brighter, more exciting future for the next generation of innovators, creators, and problem-solvers.
And who knows? Maybe one day, the students working on these projects will be the ones leading the way in the fields of engineering, technology, design, and disaster relief. The possibilities are endless, and it all starts with a little creativity, a lot of hard work, and the support of programs like the Area Education Grants.
The Future Starts Now!
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