READING, Pa., Dec. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Five area teachers have been awarded Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) grants by FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) in its Penelec utility 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 projects are:


    --  Andrew Burt, Mercyhurst Preparatory School, Erie - Producing electricity
        from water draining through downspouts
    --  Alexandra Cooper, North Penn-Liberty Jr./Sr. High School, Liberty -
        Examining water quality and energy production
    --  Cathleen Alexander, Liberty Elementary School, Liberty - Build and test
        windmill blade designs
    --  Julie Weaver, Miller Elementary School, Mansfield - Design and build an
        outdoor energy learning space
    --  Elyse Uhlig, Ferndale Area Elementary School, Johnstown - Learning about
        probability and managing time and money

"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 Scott Wyman, regional president of Penelec. "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.

Penelec serves approximately 600,000 customers in 31 Pennsylvania counties. Visit FirstEnergy on the web at www.firstenergycorp.com and follow Penelec on Twitter @Penelec and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PenelecElectric.

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 Corp. on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.