Sparklight awards $2,500 STEM grant to Cross Schools

Cross Schools in Bluffton has received a $2,500 STEM grant from Sparklight to support science and technology programs and help launch the school’s first Science Olympiad team.

The award was announced May 11 through Sparklight’s annual “Dream Bigger” social media campaign, which supports science, technology, engineering and math education opportunities for K-12 students.

According to Sparklight, the funding will help expand the school’s STEM initiatives and provide resources for the new Science Olympiad program. The school said the grant also will help ensure students can participate regardless of financial barriers.

“Sparklight’s Dream Bigger grant will give our budding middle school scientists the tools to master the fundamentals that prepare them for success in our upper-school Science Olympiad program and beyond,” said Stacie Greene, head of middle and upper school at Cross Schools.

“Winning this grant empowers them to dream bigger, deepen their passion for STEM and build confidence to innovate and compete at the highest levels,” Greene said.

Science Olympiad programs feature team-based competitions focused on science, engineering and problem-solving activities.

Jane Shanley, Sparklight senior regional director for the Southeast, said the company supports programs that allow students to apply STEM skills in hands-on settings.

“Programs like the Science Olympiad give students the chance to explore and apply STEM in intellectually challenging, hands-on ways,” Shanley said.

“We’re proud to support Cross Schools as they launch this new team and create opportunities for students to discover their potential, gain real-world skills and pursue future paths in STEM,” she said.

Sparklight said its “Dream Bigger” initiative has awarded more than $200,000 in grants since launching in 2019. The company said 12 schools and organizations across its 24-state service area were selected for funding in 2026.

Sparklight is a leading broadband communications provider for high-speed internet and mobile services. Learn more at www.sparklight.com