MLEC Adopt-A-School Grant
Looking for cash to fund classroom supplies or projects? MLEC's Adopt-A-School Grant can help by offering financial support to our rural schools and teachers coping with increasing financial pressures. All K-12 educators at a school in the five counties we serve are eligible to apply. Grants of $1000 are awarded in each county each school year. (Grants funded through partnerships and matching funds from MLEC and CoBank.)
See the application for more.
NEW Grant Application Deadline: Entries are due to MLEC by 4:30 p.m. on AUGUST 29, 2025.
You can mail your application to: MLEC Member Services, P.O. Box 240, Centerville, TN 37033
For questions contact: Benjamin Armstrong, Communications Coordinator Phone: 931-729-7220
School Safety Programs
MLEC is always happy to visit classrooms (or make a virtual visit) and share with students not only how electricity works, but also how to be safe around it. Presentations can be created to meet specific classroom needs.
For presentations or tours (Yes, we offer those too!) email us at power@mlec.com.
Electric Junction
This live demonstration shows how safety around electricity is a must for all ages. Participants meet Neon Leon & Lightnin' Liz to see how electricity travels through the body and to the ground.
It's a realistic message showing how electrical accidents happen and enforing how they can be prevented.
Louie the Lightning Bug
Louie is a jazz singin' lightning bug who teaches elementary school kids how to "Play It Safe Around Electricity." Louie stars in a video which uses humor and songs to teach students how to prevent electric related accidents and covers staying away from downed power lines, not overloading electric outlets and more. This video is available for checkout from MLEC, or someone from MLEC will make a presentation to your class. There are also Louie goody's - stickers, coloring books, and posters featuring different points about playing it safe around electricity!
The EnergyRight Monsters are here to show students how fun and easy it is to save energy at home with the free virtual Eye Spy Energy Kids’ Workshop and is designed for children in grades K-5 and any school or youth-serving organization in our area can join in the fun! Want the EnergyRight Monsters to bring a free workshop to your school or youth-serving organization?
Click the link below to request a workshop, or email EnergyRightHomes@tva.gov to learn more. We’ll contact your local power company representative to coordinate a workshop in your area.
Youth Leadership Summit
Each year two high school juniors are selected to represent Meriwether Lewis at the TECA Youth Leadership Summit in Nashville. MLEC works with school guidance counselors to select students based on their interest in government and strong leadership abilities with selection rotated among the seven high schools in MLEC's service area.
The summit teaches students to grow as leaders and helps them understand the important contributions that Tennessee’s cooperatives make to our state. Students participate in leadership training and visit with their representatives from the legislature and senate. During cooperative learning sessions, the students form a mock cooperative and go through role play exercises. We're building future co-op members and future community leaders.
4-H Electric Camp
The four-day 4-H Electric Camp on UT’s Knoxville campus is open to 6th & 7th grade students. MLEC provides instructors and tuition grants to help enhance this experience for local students. They get hands-on electrical experience with activities like building a meter lamp, operating an electric vehicle, energy efficiency, safety and more!
Held in conjunction with the University of Tennessee Extension Service and local 4-H clubs, this summer camp provides educational opportunities for all attendees and a way for students to engage with their local power company.
*For tuition grant information, contact your local extension service.