Hey, teachers! Psst… Do you want a leg up on the competition for a $25,000 classroom makeover? You’ve come to the right place for the inside scoop. After 17 years of offering this incredible prize, we’ve learned a thing or two about what keeps teachers from going for it. And yet, teachers have a really high probability of winning. So, whether you’re dreaming of cutting-edge tools or a complete technological transformation, follow these tips to maximize your chance.
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Step One: Apply!
Yes, really—apply! Someone will win this $25,000 makeover. And that someone is going to be a public-school STEM teacher who works within 50 miles of Oak Ridge, Tenn. This isn’t a nationwide competition. With a smaller pool of applicants, your odds are pretty great—but you actually have to submit an application to be in the running!
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Start Planning Early
We get it. Teachers are busy! Many start the application process but don’t finish, especially as the holidays and snow days pile up. The application window is open for two-and-a-half months, so carve out a little time now to get started. You’ve got this!
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Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Unlike most education grant applications, this one requires a little extra creativity. You’ll need to shoot and edit a video, but don’t let that intimidate you! Chances are, someone in your circle loves video projects. Tap into your network: parents, students or fellow staff members. Who might enjoy brainstorming and bringing your vision to life? Bonus: more people involved means more support when it’s time to rally votes for Viewers’ Choice!
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Think Big, Dream Bigger
While we love helping individual classrooms, we’re even more excited when the makeover benefits an entire grade or department. How could new technology not just transform your classroom but your school? Share your big picture plans in your application. We want to see how far your vision can go!
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Bring the Creativity
This is your chance to shine. Apply like you mean it! Show us your enthusiasm for STEM education. Show us that you are the kind of teacher with the passion and energy necessary to inspire and lead your students to get the most out of learning with all the amazing tools and technology that come with the makeover! Let your students’ excitement for cutting-edge technology tell the story.
Need inspiration? Check out last year’s winning video:
Key details to remember
- Eligibility: You must teach STEM subjects in grades 3 through 10 at a public school within 50 miles of Oak Ridge, Tennessee (home to ORAU’s main campus).
- Deadline: Applications for 2026 are available now and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.
ORAU is passionate about advancing STEM education because we believe it’s key to keeping the United States competitive globally—and to improving life in our communities. We know teachers often struggle to fund the science, technology, engineering and math exploration their students dream of, and we’re here to help. This $25,000 classroom makeover could be the spark that inspires your students to pursue STEM careers and change the future.
Help us get the word out. Share this flyer (.PDF) with the teachers in your life and best of luck!
View all the details about eligibility, applying and the timeline for
Extreme Classroom Makeover