Students impacted: 3,080
Volunteers: 100
Partnership duration: 4 years 

In keeping with its history of partnerships, the Tenn-Tom Waterway Council received an Appalachian Regional Commission Grant in 2013 to develop a waterway curriculum and train teachers to use the many resources of the waterway to improve STEM instruction in Mississippi schools that border the waterway. The Tenn-Tom Educational Outreach Program provided training for teachers, hands-on lesson plans, and resources to enhance instruction. Additionally, a Tenn-Tom Museum was developed through partnerships to preserve the history of the waterway. 

Activities:

• Practicing teachers developed a curriculum composed of hands-on STEM activities centered around the waterway

• Curriculum activities aligned with state and national standards.

• Two days of training held for designated teachers

• Museum video allows students to virtually participate in the waterway’s construction

Impacts:

• 154 teachers attended and received resources

• 61 schools participated from 8 counties

• Museum is open to both in and out-of-state teachers and students/visitors

• Program was so successful in Mississippi it has been replicated in Alabama