Photos: Decatur Co. EDC grants $13K to teacher projects

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – The Economic Development Corporation of Greensburg/Decatur County (EDC) delivered more than $13,000 in grants to local teachers this week.

The grants support hands-on career exploration, workforce readiness, and real-world learning for students across Decatur County.

“Educators who put everything into their classrooms, businesses that continually invest in our youth, and a brighter future for our students; that’s what it’s all about,” said EDC Project Coordinator Emma Luttel. 

The grants were made possible through funds raised by Opportunity Expo sponsors: Honda, Decatur County Memorial Hospital, The Napoleon State Bank, Nipro Pharmapackaging, and Ferguson Construction.

Here are the recipients:

St. Mary’s School

Mrs. LeeAnn Gauck: Experiment. Explore. Employ.

Award supports new scientific equipment including microscopes, chemical testing kits, and measurement tools for grades 5–8. The project transforms traditional lessons into hands-on experiments that strengthen critical thinking, data analysis, and STEM readiness. Students gain exposure to future careers in science, engineering, and healthcare.

Mrs. Stacy Schutte: Laser Focused

This project expands the school’s 8th grade STEAM “impact project,” using the GlowForge laser cutter to create products students design, produce, and sell. The grant provides materials that support entrepreneurship, budgeting, marketing, and project management. This project will prepare students with practical, real-world business skills.

Mrs. Emily Weigel: Community Helpers Unit

A kindergarten social studies project that introduces students to essential community roles and workplaces. Hands-on activities, pretend-play job tools, and geography lessons help students understand why people work and the important jobs in their community. Students finish the unit able to identify key community helpers and the tools they use.

Greensburg Community Schools

Mrs. Sonja Kolkmeier, Greensburg High School: New Career Exploration Options for 2026–2027 and Beyond

Greensburg High School is expanding its Career Exploration Internship program to include business and agriculture pathways in addition to healthcare. Students will participate in rotating unpaid internships that introduce them to local high-demand careers while meeting new Indiana Diploma requirements for career exposure and work-based learning.

Mrs. Heather Sanders, Greensburg Junior High: Growing the Future: Junior High Greenhouse Expansion

This project increases student access to greenhouse learning, supporting the school’s Garden Club and College & Careers classes. Funding provides soil, seeds, fertilizers, and greenhouse materials for hands-on horticulture experiences that build responsibility, teamwork, and early awareness of agriculture careers.

Mrs. Krista Harmon, Greensburg Elementary: STEMstruction Zone

Greensburg Elementary will add a new construction-focused STEM area to its makerspace. Students will design and build structures using real tools and materials, supporting the “Realistic” RIASEC career pathway. The STEMstruction Zone provides meaningful exposure to building trades, engineering, and hands-on problem-solving.

Decatur County Community Schools

Mrs. Beth Tomson, South Decatur High School: Job Shadow Program

This program establishes a structured job-shadowing model for juniors and seniors. Students will complete job shadows with local employers and receive guidance on career planning, personal finance, and post-graduation pathways. Materials and incentives help create a sustainable, high-impact career exploration experience.

Ms. Jackie Blair & Mrs. Leann Porter, North & South Decatur Elementary: PK–6 Career Exploration Expansion

This project expands two schoolwide programs: Start Your Engines (a touch-a-truck event) and Chat ’n Chew (a monthly career lunch series). Both expose younger students to real jobs, community helpers, and local industries. These experiences build curiosity, confidence, and early employability skills.