Consolidated Nuclear Security awarded Clayton-Bradley Academy the 2025 STEM Grant in support of its Advanced STEM Engineering Greenpower Race Car project. Greenpower’s Race Car initiative is a catalyst for developing critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and its proven success in inspiring future engineers and scientists aligns directly with Clayton-Bradley’s mission to foster a robust and innovative STEM education environment.
Clayton-Bradley Academy will enhance its Greenpower Race Car program
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS), the management and operating contractor for the Y-12 National Security Complex, has awarded a $5,000 grant to Clayton-Bradley Academy in Maryville, Tenn. The goal of the grant, which was recommended by a group of Y-12 employees following a review of more than 20 applications, is to foster advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities in the classroom and to help develop Y-12’s future workforce.
Clayton-Bradley’s Greenpower team competes in a program to build electric cars, applying classroom learning to a real-world engineering challenge, and the team finished fifth in the nation in the Advanced Stock Category in 2024. The grant will help them elevate hands-on learning for the students by competing in a more challenging division.
“This ambitious upgrade is a STEM project designed to provide our students with a real-world application of advanced engineering, physics, and data science principles,” Clayton-Bradley Engineering, Physical Sciences, and Entrepreneurship Instructor Barry Lucas said.
Developing critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
The Greenpower program is a leading global initiative that provides a foundational, project-based learning experience for students in Grades 4 through 12. Its core methodology involves challenging participants to design, build, and race their own electric cars. The program’s curriculum covers aspects of design, mechanics, electrical systems, and data analysis.
“As a whole, the Greenpower experience is a catalyst for developing critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and its proven success in inspiring future engineers and scientists aligns directly with our school's mission to foster a robust and innovative STEM education environment,” said Lucas. “Clayton-Bradley has had three graduates from this program go on to compete at the collegiate level in the Formula SAE program.”
Proposals evaluated by Y-12 engineers
Each year, a CNS committee of Y-12 engineers evaluates proposals for a STEM grant to a local school, and Susan Kozemko, Y-12 Engineering senior director, was one of the evaluators of the proposals. She said, “The submissions were great as always, and it was obvious that there are real needs in our schools for funding to support STEM activities. This year there were a number of top candidates in my opinion, and it was hard to determine just one.”
Working from a rubric, each judge scored the submissions independently. Following that evaluation, the committee met and talked through their scores and top candidates to reach a consensus.
Clayton-Bradley’s submission was thorough and detailed. Kozemko noted, “The Greenpower team already existed, and the benefit to the school’s STEM program was obvious. The sustainment of the project was also evident through the use of all the engineering principals through the design, test, and improve phases.”
Investing in the future
“I have always valued how generous our company has been within our community,” said Evalynn Carroll, a piping engineer. “Our company’s generosity has impacted many students within our community by allowing them to see the many possibilities that can be found within STEM-related fields.”
Kozemko agreed. “It is extremely important to support the community and our schools with the education of the future Y‑12 workers and leaders,” she said. “Being able to support an effort with money shows we are truly investing in the future.”
“The Y-12 STEM grant enables our students to work with industry-level engineering systems—real telemetry, advanced drivetrains, and data analysis tools,” Lucas said. “This hands-on experience, combined with the entrepreneurship skills they’re developing by managing the entire program, prepares them for careers in advanced manufacturing right here in East Tennessee. Y-12’s support is an investment in the next generation of skilled technical professionals, and we’re grateful for their commitment to STEM education in our region.”
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Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Bechtel National, Inc. is the lead member of CNS; minority members include Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, LLC; and SOC LLC. Y-12 is a key facility in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects, and delivery as promised.
For more information, visit www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
CONTACT
Kathryn King, APR
Communications
Office (865) 315.5996
Kathryn.King@y12nsc.doe.gov