Study and research into the science of aquaponics will soon be offered to FFA students in Allen and Byng after being named recipients of a $5,000 grant from Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) and the American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation.

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) After-School Grants program is made possible through a partnership between the Oklahoma FFA Foundation and PSO, a unit of AEP. A total of $36,000 in grants is being awarded to 15 Oklahoma FFA chapters in this inaugural year for the program. Chapters receiving the grants must be active in the 2018-2019 school year.

Aquaponics refers to systems that combine conventional aquaculture with hydroponics in a symbiotic environment.

With their grant, Allen and Byng FFA programs will collaborate to learn how aquaponics systems function, the science behind them, and how they address issues related to sustainability. The grant will cover the purchase of the Symbiotic Aquaponics system, with a goal of competing in the FFA State Interscholastic Agri-Science Fair with research from using the system.

As a side benefit, lettuce and tomatoes grown using the aquaponics system will be provided to Allen and Byng schools for their lunchroom salad bars.

“In today’s world, STEM-related knowledge and skills are keys to success in any career path,” said Frank Phillips, PSO Manager for External Affairs – McAlester. “The grants are aimed at providing FFA students opportunities to learn and grow in these STEM fields, and then use those skills and knowledge to enhance their future and that of our state.”

PSO, a unit of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), is an electric utility company serving more than 550,000 customers accounts in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma. Based in Tulsa, PSO has nearly 3,800 megawatts of generating capacity and is one of the largest distributors of wind energy in the state. News releases and other information about PSO can be found at www.PSOklahoma.com.

August 30 — Randy Dyer, Lane Mills August 31 — Hope Elizabeth Goddard, Paula Colbert September 1 — Linda Baber, Derek Ford, Rhonda Nix September 2 — Britney Gibson September 3 — Vivian Deaton**, Mr. & Mrs. Mike Sanders*, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Boyd* September 4 — Bryson Stephens, Mr. & Mrs. Johnny Boyles*, Ray Maples September 5 — Lynn Cross, Rush Black September 6 — Mike Lawler, Sydney Browning September 7 — Anissa Goddard-Stine, Art Goddard** September 8 — Craig Cross