News and Events

The Generac Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Georgia Youth Science & Technology Centers, Inc. (GYSTC) to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs in nine elementary schools in the Richmond County School System. 

“Skills gained from exposure to STEM enable students to ask questions and think critically,” said Amanda Buice, executive director of GYSTC. “Scientific thinking and understanding are essential for all people as they navigate the world, not just for STEM professionals, but we do believe that by creating interest and enthusiasm for STEM and by providing young children with problem-solving skills, we will encourage more of them to pursue STEM studies and careers like those needed at Generac. We are thankful to Generac for this investment in us and youth in our community.” 

The Generac-funded grant aims to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers by providing students with hands-on robotic learning opportunities and access to innovative STEM curriculum. The funding will also support the expansion of elementary STEM exploratory classes and provide professional learning for teachers in emerging technologies. The initiative was launched this year with schools receiving class sets of programmable robots and will be fully implemented across nine schools next year. In total, the initiative has the potential to reach more than 4,000 students annually. 

“This grant opens the door for our students to engage with STEM in a hands-on, meaningful way,” said Eric Lewis, principal of Lamar-Milledge Elementary School. “We’re excited to expand our STEAM efforts by launching a robotics club and integrating these tools into our fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms. Opportunities like this allow our students to think critically, collaborate, and see themselves as future innovators.” 

In 2025, more than 82,000 youth and young adults from across the U.S. and Canada participated in STEM programs supported by Generac and the Generac Foundation. The organization has facilities in Augusta, GA, and Trenton, SC, and focuses most of its corporate and Foundation giving where they have operations and employees. Generac is a publicly traded energy technology company headquartered in Wisconsin.  

Kate Thomas, a Richmond County School System student, was named a 2026 Georgia Scholar by the Georgia Department of Education on April 1, 2026. As a senior at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, she is one of only 162 graduating seniors across the state to receive this distinction. This honor is granted to students who have achieved excellence in their academic careers and within their communities. 
 

"It’s an honor to see a Richmond County student recognized as a Georgia Scholar this year,” said Shawnda Stovall, president of the Richmond County Board of Education. “Kate has worked hard throughout high school, not only carrying an exemplary course load but also serving as a leader outside of the classroom. She is a fine example of the dedication and community spirit we strive to foster within our school system." 

The Georgia Scholar program, coordinated by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) in partnership with local school districts, identifies students who excel beyond the standard curriculum. To be selected, students must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and active participation in school and community activities. They are also required to serve as leaders in extracurricular and service organizations, maintaining a balance between rigorous scholarship and civic duty. Each honoree receives a seal for their diploma along with a graduation cord to recognize their achievement.