Duke Energy Grant Helps Put Conner Prairie on Wheels

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park covers 800 acres.

The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded a $70,000 grant to Conner Prairie in Fishers. The interactive history park says the funding will help achieve the goal of bringing STEM education directly to elementary school students in the state through its Prairie Mobile outreach program.

Conner Prairie says support from several individual donors is also helping launch the program. The Prairie Mobile will travel to elementary schools in Duke Energy Indiana’s service area and feature historical interpreters and storytelling to help students discover how STEM fits into Indiana’s past.

"STEM education helps nurture critical thinkers, increases interest in science, and most importantly, engages future innovators," said Norman Burns, chief executive officer of Conner Prairie. "Through our longstanding partnership with Duke Energy, we are excited to deliver innovative STEM education that provides opportunities for students in unique and engaging ways."

The award follows a $15,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation in January to help fund the Makesmith Workshop at Conner Prairie.