TVA makes Governor’s Honor Roll

JACKSON, Miss. – Working with grade school students at all levels to help boost academic achievement has earned the Tennessee Valley Authority this year’s spot on the Governor’s Honor Roll of Exceptional Partnership Support.

The Mississippi Association of Partners in Education (MAPE), which promotes community involvement in schools statewide, recognized TVA’s Partners in Education program with the Honor Roll award. By joining boardrooms with classrooms, MAPE fosters a level of communication and participation that has helped Mississippi’s grade school students improve their level of preparation.

“The winning partnerships have used creative programs and methods to improve student achievement and community involvement,” said Phil Hardwick, president of MAPE. “Their success stories are proof that partnerships can make a positive difference in our schools and raise standards of performance for our students.”

TVA supports seven Partners in Education schools in the state of Mississippi. TVA employees have developed and implemented many of the programs in conjunction with TVA customers. Programs receiving support from TVA include:

• Funding for a “Virtual Chemistry Lab”
• Sponsorship of a physics class in the engineering competition at Ole Miss
• Field trips to TVA plants and to area businesses
• Donations of surplus computers and computer equipment
• Host of job shadowing programs that permit students to shadow employees in the work place
• Development and participation of students in leadership programs
• Sponsorship of solar car competitions
• Providing School-to-Work skill programs
• Presentations to students about TVA’s business

The award selection committee, comprising representatives from business/industry, non-profits and education, considered the needs and goals established for the partnership; activities; communication with students, parents, staff, employees and news media; and overall effectiveness.

Association leaders said the Governor’s Awards and Partnership Excellence Awards are key components in their efforts to promote excellence and opportunity for children in Mississippi’s public schools through community collaboration.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing. TVA provides power to large industries and 159 power distributors that serve approximately 8.8 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.