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Recognizing Innovative Educators Through Inspiration Grants

Vernier Science Education has recently awarded its esteemed 2025 Inspiration Grants to ten outstanding educators in the field of STEM. This initiative honors teachers from K–12 and higher education institutions across the nation, providing them with valuable resources to enhance STEM literacy among their students.

Each recipient will receive a $1,000 allocation to choose Vernier technology tailored to their teaching needs, alongside a yearly license for the professional software, Vernier Graphical Analysis® Pro. Moreover, they will also benefit from three hours of virtual professional development aimed at further supporting their educational methods. This comprehensive support demonstrates Vernier’s commitment to empowering dedicated educators who are passionate about instilling a love for science and technology in their students.

"The Inspiration Grants are about acknowledging the remarkable contributions of innovative teachers who are reshaping how students learn through practical STEM experiences," stated Jill Hedrick, CEO of Vernier Science Education. She emphasized that the provision of modern educational tools, including hands-on sensors, laboratory equipment, and data-collection technology, has the potential to significantly enhance the learning experience in classrooms. This, in turn, enables students to engage more deeply with relevant content.

The evaluation process for these grants was marked by a robust selection procedure, as a panel comprising fellow educators and Vernier employees reviewed over 320 submissions. The criteria focused on how each grantee plans to implement the funding and technology in their educational environment, how it aligns with the needs of their institution, and how it would ultimately enrich their instructional delivery, thus engaging students more effectively.

Meet the 2025 Inspiration Grant Recipients

Here is the list of the 10 distinguished educators awarded in 2025:

• - Angie Nichols, Peeples Middle School, Jackson, MS
• - Carmela Schlitzer, High Tech High School CTE Environmental Science Academy, Secaucus, NJ
• - Cord Carter, Young Men's Leadership Academy at Phillis Wheatley, San Antonio, TX
• - Dr. James Hunter, Morgan State University – Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD
• - Joshua Cameron, Byington–Solway CTE Center at Karns High School, Knoxville, TN
• - Laura Vroman, Rock Island High School, Rock Island, IL
• - Mauricio Alonso, John H. Francis Polytechnic High School, Sun Valley, CA
• - Neotha Williams, Plaquemine Senior High School, Plaquemine, LA
• - Nicole Rowland, Appomattox Regional Governor's School for the Arts and Technology, Petersburg, VA
• - Patty Mueller, Westbury High School, Old Westbury, NY

These educators are not just recipients of grants; they are catalysts for change in their communities, fostering an environment where students can thrive in STEM disciplines. Their commitment, creativity, and willingness to embrace new teaching methodologies make them exemplary figures in the educational landscape.

A Legacy of Supporting STEM Education

Vernier Science Education has been dedicated to advancing STEM learning for over four decades. By providing educators with top-notch solutions that include hardware, software, and tailored professional development, Vernier strives to cultivate a generation of students equipped with the necessary skills to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex world.

For those interested in learning more about the 2025 Vernier Science Education Inspiration Grants and the inspiring stories of the grantees, you can visit www.vernier.com/inspiration-grants. This initiative is not just about awarding grants; it is about building a community of educators who are passionate about fostering STEM literacy and innovation.

By investing in educators and their classrooms, Vernier aims to create a brighter future where today's students become tomorrow's leaders in science and technology, contributing to society in meaningful ways.