READING, Pa., Dec. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Five area teachers have been awarded Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) grants by FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) in its Met-Ed service area. The grants will be used for a variety of hands-on projects, workshops and teacher development programs throughout the school year.

Grant winners, their schools and project descriptions include:


    --  Ben Seibert, Dallastown Area Intermediate School, York - K'Nex®
        energy-producing inventions
    --  Sid Harwood, Daniel Boone Senior High School, Birdsboro - Biogas
        digester to heat the school's greenhouse
    --  Shannon W. Helzer, Daniel Boone Senior High School, Birdsboro - An
        exploration of hydroponic gardening
    --  Joshua Potts, Hawk Mountain Council Boy Scouts of America, Reading - A
        STEM Academy allowing Scouts to explore numerous activities related to
        science, technology, engineering and math
    --  Joseph Stemrich, Career Institute of Technology, Easton - Wire and
        install energy efficient lighting fixtures and calculate savings

"FirstEnergy has long supported educational activities in our communities, particularly those that encourage students to pursue careers in the critical fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics," said Dave Karafa, president of Pennsylvania operations for FirstEnergy. "We are pleased to provide assistance to several STEM projects this year that support our students, schools and educators as they work to help build a strong workforce for the future."

FirstEnergy offers grants up to $500 to individual teachers and administrators at schools served by its electric utility operating companies and in communities where it has facilities.

Grant recipients are recommended by local educators who make up FirstEnergy's Educational Advisory Council. As part of the program, recipients must furnish a written summary and evaluation of their projects that can be shared with other educators in FirstEnergy's service area.

Met-Ed serves approximately 560,000 customers in 15 Pennsylvania counties. Visit FirstEnergy on the web at www.firstenergycorp.com and follow Met-Ed on Twitter @Met Ed and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MetEdElectric.

FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.