“Warning: Contents Extremely Awesome”

Duke Energy sparks STEM excitement at Mohawk Trails Elementary

Excitement filled the room at Mohawk Trails Elementary in Carmel as students eagerly opened boxes labeled “Warning: Contents Extremely Awesome” – and immediately jumped into hands-on STEM exploration.

Thanks to the generosity of Duke Energy, Mohawk Trails Elementary received STEM activity kits filled with supplies and materials for more than 400 students. The kits include engaging projects ranging from binary coding and simple circuits to microscopes and engineering challenges designed specifically for elementary learners.

Students could be heard “oohing” and “aahing” as they explored the materials, with many diving right into building, testing, and experimenting within minutes of opening the boxes.

“Duke Energy believes strong communities start with strong educational opportunities,” said Mark LaBarr, Government & Community Relations Manager at Duke Energy. “These hands-on STEM experiences help students explore, create, and build confidence in skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.”

“When young children build, question, test, and explore, they are not just learning STEM. They are learning how to think,” Mohawk Trails Principal Rhonda Turner said. “Thank you, Duke Energy, for your donation of STEM supplies to Mohawk Trails!”

Kathleen Schuetz, Mohawk Trails teacher, shared the impact these opportunities create for students.

“STEM education empowers young learners to think critically, solve real-world problems, and imagine what’s possible for their future,” Schuetz said. “We are incredibly grateful to Duke Energy and Carmel Education Foundation for their generous support in providing STEM supplies that help bring meaningful, hands-on learning experiences to life for our students.”

The partnership was facilitated through Carmel Education Foundation (CEF), which connected Duke Energy with the opportunity to directly support students through classroom enrichment.

“We love creating connections like this between our schools and community partners,” CEF CEO Jennifer Penix said. “Seeing students this excited about learning is exactly why partnerships matter.”

Community members and businesses interested in supporting STEM learning, robotics, classroom innovation, or real-world readiness opportunities for Carmel Clay Schools students are encouraged to contact CEF to learn more about partnership opportunities.

For more information about CEF and updates on its 60th anniversary celebration, visit ccs.k12.in.us/foundation.