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Projects exploring the benefits and challenges of alternative energy sources, learning how to protect local natural resources and developing an innovative schoolwide recycling program are the recipients of PPL’s Project Earth Environmental Education Grants.

“As an energy company, PPL understands how important it is to be aware of how our actions affect the environment around us,” said Meg Welker, education relations director for PPL. “The school projects we support through the Project Earth grants are working to make a positive impact on the environment and their communities.”

This year, PPL awarded more than $20,000 in Project Earth grants to schools throughout Pennsylvania to promote environmental education.

Since the program’s inception in 2003, PPL has awarded more than $135,000 for projects in 89 schools near PPL facilities. 

The seven schools receiving grants this year are:

• Donegal Middle School, Marietta, for “Renewable Energy is Your Future,” a program that will include a series of field trips to explore various power plants, an exploration of renewable energy sources and discussions on energy conservation. The students’ findings will be shared with the community at the school’s open houses as well as at the local public library.
   
• Marticville Middle School, Pequea, for “Project Recycle,” a student project to enhance the school’s recycling program and raise awareness among students on the benefits of recycling.
   
• MMI Preparatory School, Freeland, for “Exploring Energy Resources: Sustainability at MMI,” a program that offers hands-on analysis of the benefits and challenges of fossil fuels and alternative energy sources.
   
• Moravian Academy, Bethlehem, for “Wind to Electricity,” a small, demonstration wind turbine that will be installed at the school so students can make a direct connection between wind energy outside and electrical energy in the classroom.
   
• The Swain School, Allentown, for “Solar Science,” for the installation of a solar panel that will allow students to investigate energy production and consumption as well as the efficiency of various electrical devices in the classroom.
   
• Wallenpaupack Area High School, Hawley, for “Lake Wallenpaupack: A Resource Worth Protecting,” a hands-on student project to investigate potential sources of erosion and contamination in the Lake Wallenpaupack watershed and to propose ways to protect this resource for future generations.
   
• Wheatland Middle School, Lancaster, for “Environmental Stewardship Day,” a program to foster students’ awareness and passion for the environment by helping them make connections between their community’s natural resources and their daily lives.

A team of PPL employees, environmental professionals and educators chose the winning projects. PPL sponsors the Environmental Education Grants program as part of PPL Project Earth, an initiative to educate the public about energy resources and the environment. For more information, go to www.pplprojectearth.com.

PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), headquartered in Allentown, Pa., controls more than 11,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States, sells energy in key U.S. markets and delivers electricity to more than 4 million customers in Pennsylvania and the United Kingdom.