MEC Awards $5K SunWatts Education Grants to Local Educators

Bullhead City, AZ – Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) has awarded three Education Grants in 2022 as a continuing show of support for renewable energy education. MEC is proud to support local educators’ efforts in going the extra mile by using innovative ideas to help local youth learn sustainable concepts. The SunWatts Education Grant program, otherwise known as the $5K Education Grant, is part of MEC’s commitment to our community and is funded through REST (Renewable Energy Standard Tariff) program. Funds from the grant will be used to teach students about sustainability through curriculums designed and implemented by the grant winners.

Educators Glenn Jessen of Academy of Building Industries, Panayiota McKenzie of Mohave Valley Junior High, and Kat Shorkey with Amy Nelson of Mohave Accelerated Learning Center were the recipients of this year’s education grants.

“We’re so excited to bring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to the students through hands-on learning with the Lego Mindstorms robots that we’ll buy with this grant. Students will have fun experimenting and improving their problem solving and coding skills. With the Lego Education Renewable Energy Add-on Set, the kids will be able to learn about using the energy from the sun, wind, and water to solve real-world problems,” said Nelson.

“Thank you Mohave Electric for your generous support of STEM education at MVJH! Our students are excited to make solar ovens, and learn about Solar Energy!,” said McKenzie.

“The MEC Grant to evaluate Renewable Energy Sources (Solar Panels specifically) will provide the opportunity to Design and Compare a Fixed Collector and a Tracking Collector System. Thank you for the students opportunity to Design, Draft Plans and Fabricate the required components,” stated Jessen.

Educators interested in applying for the grant in 2023 can look for the announcement on the website early next year. For other MEC programs, including the $200 classroom grants, please visit our website.


Founded in 1946, Mohave Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit utility providing reliable, cost-effective power to 36,700 members, 43,500 meters, with more than 1,555 miles of line spanning areas from Bullhead City to Topock on the west, Hualapai to Burro Creek to the south, and Nelson to the east. Mohave Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.