Teachers across East and North Texas will have another opportunity to bring technology-focused projects into their classrooms through the Peoples Impact Foundation’s TechEd Grant program.
The Peoples Impact Foundation (PIF) will award up to $5,000 in grants to public and private schools within the Peoples service area for the 2026-2027 school year. The grants are designed to support projects that incorporate technology into core classroom curriculum or create dedicated STEM projects.
Peoples describes itself as an organization centered on community and connections, with the Peoples Impact Foundation serving as an extension of those values. The foundation’s mission is to uplift local communities by providing resources, support and opportunities that improve quality of life. Its efforts focus on education, economic development and social well-being, particularly for underserved populations.
When asked why the foundation supporting teachers and students was so important to the foundation, Hurst had to stop to find the right words.
“I feel like this is a hard thing to answer. It’s almost like asking, ‘Why is it important to breathe?’ We offer scholarships to students, but giving back to the individuals who help make those students successful was something we wanted to start doing as well,” Hurst said.
Through the TechEd Grant program, the foundation hopes to give educators additional resources to introduce students to technology and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while helping build skills that can prepare students for future opportunities, including careers in telecommunications.
Schools across the Peoples service area are eligible to apply. The grant area covers districts in 21 Texas counties, including Wood, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, Rains, Hopkins and Franklin counties.
Each project must have a technology component, whether it is a STEM project or a way to combine technology with a core class. Last year, two teachers in Quitman and one in Mount Vernon received grants for projects that did just that.
“One recipient last year blended core curriculum with technology by purchasing print-to-audio conversion equipment to assist students with reading math problems. Another teacher was awarded a grant to purchase LEGO robotics kits, allowing their robotics team to compete in a robotics competition,” Hurst said.
The third grant supported a science-based project that brought telecommunications technology into the classroom.
Hurst said the final grant was science-based and included DIY walkie-talkie kits and fiber-optic circuit kits, which was something Peoples was especially excited about.
“We were even able to schedule fiber splicers to visit the classroom and give students a hands-on demonstration of how our teams splice fiber in the field,” Hurst said.
While technology is a requirement of the program, Hurst said the foundation also wants teachers to have room to be creative when developing their projects.
“We always want to support projects that have a technology component as a way of paying tribute to our industry, but we also want teachers to feel empowered to think outside the box. We want them to bring their passions into the classroom without feeling overly restricted by the grant parameters,” Hurst said.
Applications will be reviewed competitively by the PIF Board. Schools interested in applying must submit a completed application with approval from the district superintendent or a designee.
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year must be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 1. Grant recipients are scheduled to be announced in November.
For teachers who receive the grants, the funding can turn an idea for the classroom into a hands-on learning experience for students. Hurst said the hope is that those experiences keep students interested and curious.
“We just hope students continue to stay inspired. Secretly, we’re hoping one of them might become the newest member of our team in a few years! But really, making sure kids stay curious and want to learn is what we all hope for,” Hurst said.
The TechEd Grants are one part of the foundation’s broader effort to invest in the communities Peoples serves. By putting resources into local classrooms, the foundation aims to support teachers while giving students opportunities to explore technology in ways they might not otherwise have.
Schools interested in the program can find additional information and application materials through the Peoples Impact Foundation.