CASSOPOLIS — Midwest Energy and Communications is now accepting applications for the 2018-19 Strengthening Schools Grant program.

In January, grants totaling $30,000 were awarded to 22 public schools across the co-op service territory. Grants are funded through MEC’s partnership with Touchstone Energy.

Any teacher, administrator or school official in a public elementary, middle or high school serving students in the MEC service territory may apply for a grant of up to $2,500 to support classroom needs and special projects, technology, or academic clubs and organizations. School districts may be awarded multiple grants, not to exceed a total of $5,000 during the annual award cycle.

“Public schools and teachers are faced with increasingly stringent requirements as they tackle the diverse needs and challenges of today’s students and families, and we are all impacted by the collective successes and failures of our public-school systems,” said Patty Nowlin, vice president of corporate communications. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s business and community leaders, and MEC wants to support students, teachers and schools to help impact positive change on behalf of the greater community.”

Applications are due Oct. 15, and funds will be awarded in January 2019. Applications are evaluated and funding decisions made without knowledge of the school or district by a committee of MEC members.

More information and applications are available online at teammidwest.com/grants. Interested individuals may also contact the public relations office at (800) 492-5989.