The APS Foundation and the Phoenix Suns have awarded $50,000 worth of mini-grants to teachers from 25 Arizona classrooms to promote hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) projects.

Since technology is advancing rapidly, students must equip themselves with knowledge in STEM subjects. APS and the Phoenix Suns aim to spark interest in such subjects through the projects teachers offer, thanks to the grants.

For more than 10 years, APS and the Phoenix Suns have teamed up by offering $50,000 annually for STEM-based project grants.

“Students around the state are in for a real treat,” Tina Tentori, executive director at the APS Foundation, said. “Thanks to these grants, these 25 teachers will be engaging students with robot programming, creating a zero-waste school, 3-D printing from recycled plastic bottles, and sustainable gardening, to name a few. I have no doubt that these interactive projects will inspire students to pursue additional STEM studies and, eventually, rewarding STEM careers.”

The projects chosen by grant winners are diverse, such as building raised-bed organic gardens, constructing robots or turning recyclable plastic into filament to use for 3-D printers.

The list of grant recipients and information on their projects can be viewed online.