Deana Sain of the Hardeman County STEM Center learned she would receive the TVA STEM Robotics Award of $5,000 to use for equipment and other items to facilitate learning for area students. The notification was shared in a letter Sain received on July 30, 2026, so she could begin planning how the award could be best used to benefit the Hardeman County students who visit the Center throughout the school year.
Since Sain has taken over the teaching responsibilities at the STEM Center, she has earned multiple awards and acquired several grants enabling her to purchase a wide range of educational tools.
“I try to write two grants each school year. I have been lucky and blessed, but it is hard work,” said Ms. Sain. “I feel like my students appreciated the extra effort I put into getting them new things.”
Ms. Sain recently received $5,000 from the Society for Science Grant, which she used to purchase PocketLab equipment. She already has plans for the TVA STEM Robotics Award.
“I asked for VEX IQ robotics kits, designed for fourth through eighth grades. I will also purchase some Sphero Robotics Kits,” said Ms. Sain. “This will take all $5,000, and hopefully I will be able to add to these kits each year.”
