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New grant opportunity for middle schools




Hopewell Elementary School/mainstreet-nashville/theportland sun

Hopewell Elementary School/mainstreet-nashville/theportland sun

Delta Dental of Tennessee has announced a new grant opportunity for middle schools to replace an existing water fountain with a contactless Elkay bottle-filling stations through its Water’s Cool @ School program. All Tennessee middle schools are encouraged to apply before the Nov. 23 deadline. Grants will be awarded to 25 middle schools across the state.

Delta Dental originally launched the Water’s Cool @ School program in 2020 to help commemorate its 55th anniversary, awarding 55 grants to elementary schools across the state to upgrade their water fountains. Select highlights from the 2020 grantees include a viral rap song performed by teachers from Mt. Carmel Elementary School, a superhero-themed submission from Millington Elementary School, and a video from Thelma Barker Elementary School highlighting the health benefits of drinking more water. Interest in the grant program was so strong that the company committed to offering another round of grants in 2021, this time focused on middle schools.

“Drinking more water is great for the mind, as it can help improve concentration and focus, and for the body, as it can help with circulation and to keep your bones, joints, and even teeth healthy. These benefits are welcome at any age, and especially important for kids,” said Dr. Phil Wenk, CEO and president of Delta Dental of Tennessee. “Schools have a lot on their plates, and many have even shut down their water fountains to help mitigate the spread of germs. We are pleased to be able to offer another round of grants to help make water more accessible to students and staff during the school day.”

To apply ahead of the Nov. 23 deadline, interested schools should:

Visit Tennessee.DeltaDental.com/WCS for more information and to complete the online application.

Create a short video or other creative project highlighting how water is good for your health and teeth, why your school needs the bottle filling station, or what makes a healthy smile.

Share that video on social media with the hashtag #WatersCoolTN and include a link with their grant application. A creative project is not required, but applications that do include one will be credited.

Include photographs of the current water fountain that the school would like to replace, which will help inform the installation process for selected schools.

The 25 selected schools will receive a water bottle filling station, including installation, and toothbrushes for all students. The top five schools will receive water bottles for all students, faculty and staff members following installation.

Grant announcements will be made in early 2022, and installations will be scheduled for spring 2022.

Water’s Cool @ School grant applications are open now through Nov. 23 at tennessee.deltadental.com/wcs.

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