04/10/2026
Mrs. Colleen Cook, Middle School Autistic Support Teacher, has been named a recipient of the prestigious PPL STEM Educator Award. She was one of five teachers to receive this award. This honor includes a $1,500 grant dedicated to enhancing The Brew Crew, a student-led business for our Life Skills and Autistic Support students.
The Brew Crew provides students with hands-on experiences in managing a weekly coffee and snack service, from processing orders to school-wide delivery. Beyond the everyday business operations, the program serves as a vital tool for mastering hygiene, hospitality, communication, financial literacy, and organizational skills. This grant will be used to upgrade equipment and streamline operations, further empowering our student entrepreneurs.
We are truly proud of Mrs. Cook and her dedication to our students.
PPL Foundation awards grants to outstanding STEM teachers [Press Release]
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (Feb. 5, 2026) – The PPL Foundation today announced that it is
awarding $1,500 grants to five Pennsylvania teachers for their success in developing and delivering STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) coursework that engages students and inspires their creativity.
By giving students early opportunities to explore the STEM fields, teachers can equip
them with the critical-thinking skills and creative problem-solving abilities they'll need to thrive in a rapidly changing world, said Lissette Santana, president of the PPL Foundation. PPL supports teachers who are empowering our students to meet the challenges and opportunities that will shape our future.