Phoenix-based electric utility APS recently said it will continue to partner with the Phoenix Suns to offer Arizona schools $50,000 in mini-grants for hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) projects.

The gesture is well timed, as recent results of Arizona's Instruments to Measure Standards (AIMS) test showed that the state’s students struggle in the areas of math and science.

Distributing mini-grants of up to $2,500 each will sustain innovative projects to improve achievement in the STEM-related subjects, APS said. 

Grants are available to kindergarten through high school educators in public and charter schools within APS’ service area.

"We included our community by hosting a robotics class during spring break for younger students,” previous grant recipient Carlynn Patton, of Snowflake Junior High, said. “The turnout was so good, our local community college asked us to offer classes during the summer."

Teachers can apply for the mini-grants at www.aps.com. 

Applications will be accepted online through Oct. 7, and recipients will be notified of their application status by Nov. 1.

APS is Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serving nearly 1.2 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. It is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp.