FirstEnergy Corp.’s New Jersey operating company, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), is again offering mathematics, science and technology grants to educators and youth group leaders.

The grants, available to teachers in prekindergarten through grade 12, support classroom projects and teacher professional development initiatives. The deadline to apply for a grant is Sept. 20.

Any creative project dealing with math, science and technology is eligible, but projects that will be given priority should: focus on electricity and electricity production; improve, advance and enrich student learning; be flexible and appropriate for the targeted stage of student development; range from formative ideas that explore learning concepts to fully tested models that are ready to be adopted and disseminated; and enable networking, mentoring, interdisciplinary or team-teaching as well as teacher training and professional development.

“Skills in math, science and technology are important for success in everyday life and in the work force,” said Dennis O’Boyle, JCP&L vice president of external affairs.

“Our grant program provides educators with support for creative projects and programs that help stimulate learning by involving students directly, all while having fun.”

The grants of up to $500 are awarded annually in areas served by FirstEnergy companies or where the company has facilities.

In New Jersey, grant applicants, schools or programs must be located within the JCP&L service area, or where FirstEnergy has power plants, to qualify.

To obtain applications or for more information, visit the FirstEnergy website at www.firstenergycorp.com/community/education/ grants and click on Education Grants. Completed applications and supporting documents, including a W-9 form, should be mailed to: FirstEnergy Corp., Community Involvement Department, 76 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308.

FirstEnergy, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, serves 4.5 million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.