One of the most meaningful parts of the Washington Youth Tour is investing in the future of local students.

Last year’s UCEMC delegates were recently awarded scholarships in recognition of their participation in the Washington Youth Tour program as they prepare for graduation and the next chapter ahead.

Congratulations to the 8 schools across our service area that successfully completed the TVA EnergyRight School Uplift grant program, and each earned a $10,000 Learning Environment Grant.

There is something special about planting a tree.

It starts small. You pick it out, bring it home, and place it just where you think it will look best. It adds a little character, a little shade, and a sense that you are putting something good into the ground that will last.

And it will last.

UCEMC would like their valued members to be aware of an upcoming TVA planned outage.

TVA has announced that they scheduled a planned outage for Jackson County on Saturday, April 25, 2026. It will last around 6 hours, starting at 11 PM and ending at 5 AM. This outage is needed for TVA to replace poles and complete necessary maintenance.

Behind every lineman is a family who shares the early mornings, long nights, storm calls, and missed moments. For Lineman Appreciation Day, we invited spouses, parents, and kids to write notes to the linemen they love. These letters are a small glimpse into the pride, gratitude, and support that make this work possible.

The TVA Robotics Grant application period is now open, and Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation encourages eligible local schools to apply.

This grant program is a great opportunity to invest in students through hands on learning experiences that build creativity, teamwork, problem solving, and technical skills. Funding can be used to help start a robotics program or strengthen an existing one through the purchase of robotics kits, tools, materials, and competition entry fees.

We want to see students in our communities succeed and thrive, and opportunities like this can help create pathways for growth, confidence, and future career readiness. Applicants can learn more and apply at tva.com/robotics.

Programs like this are especially meaningful because similar grant opportunities have already helped schools in our area create impactful learning experiences for students.

UCEMC recently visited several local schools with TVA to see firsthand how past STEM grant funds are being used.

At Algood Middle School, students are building a composting station that will help reduce waste at the school and create plant food for their garden and arboretum tree farm. According to Ms. Wren, all of her students helped build the compost bins.

At VITAL School, students built a drone completely on their own and are now using it in competition. They assembled it, configured the mechanics, and brought it to life through their own work and learning.

At White Plains School, grant funds helped provide a greenhouse that will allow students to expand their plant lessons and experience more of the growing process from seed to sprout.

These projects show how grant funding can support meaningful, student driven learning. We encourage eligible schools and organizations to apply for the TVA Robotics Grant and take advantage of this opportunity to bring even more hands on educational experiences to students in our region.

Our UCEMC offices will be closed tomorrow, Friday, April 3rd in observance of Good Friday.

As always, our crews are on call 24/7 for outage emergencies.

We wish you and your family a blessed Easter weekend.