ORAU is excited to announce the return of its annual Extreme Classroom Makeover, a $25,000 competition aimed at empowering East Tennessee educators to revolutionize STEM education through the integration of modern technology.
The program, designed to enhance science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning in public schools, encourages teachers to dream big and envision how advanced tools can transform their classrooms into innovative hubs of hands-on learning. Through an application and video submission process, teachers have the opportunity to showcase their vision for utilizing $25,000 in cutting-edge technology to inspire students and prepare them for future STEM careers.
We believe in equipping educators with the tools they need to create engaging learning environments that spark curiosity and prepare students for careers in science and engineering,” said Meghan Millwood, ORAU president and CEO. “Over the years, we’ve supported classrooms with new computers, digital microscopes, robotics, drones, 3-D printers and more. This program is our way of investing in the future by empowering teachers and students alike.”
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for the competition, applicants must:
- Be a public school teacher within a 50-mile radius of Oak Ridge, Tenn.
- Teach STEM subjects for grades 3 through 10.
- Submit a creative two-to-three-minute video illustrating their classroom’s need for technology and how they would use it.
- Complete and submit the application by Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.
Prizes:
- Grand Prize: $25,000 in new technology for one winning classroom.
- Runner-Up Prize: $5,000 in new equipment for one additional teacher.
- Viewers’ Choice Award: $2,500 prize, selected by public vote from qualified entries.
Winners will be announced in mid-March 2026, and the technology will be installed in time for the start of the 2026-27 school year.
Selection Criteria:
A panel of educators and ORAU staff will evaluate entries based on:
- Demonstration of the need for technology in the classroom.
- Creativity and originality of the video submission.
- Clear explanation of how the technology will be used to enhance STEM learning.
- Alignment with teaching philosophies that promote STEM careers and hands-on learning experiences.
Since the program’s inception in 2009, ORAU has invested more than $550,000 in local schools, impacting more than 30 East Tennessee schools and thousands of students.
For more information about the ORAU Extreme Classroom Makeover contest, visit Extreme Classroom Makeover.
For questions, contact Amber Davis at amber.davis@orau.org.