Sparklight Awards $2,500 STEM Grant to Bayou View Middle School in Gulfport

GULFPORT, Miss. (April 22, 2026) — Sparklight® is proud to award a $2,500 STEM grant to Bayou View Middle School in Gulfport through its annual “Dream Bigger” social media campaign, supporting innovative science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education opportunities for K‒12 students.

The funding will be used to purchase an “Innovation Kit” including motors, gears, sensors and other hands-on engineering tools to enable students to plan, design and test functional prototypes while building real-world solutions.

“My students and I are so excited to be selected as a Sparklight Dream Bigger winner,” said Meg Barnes, Bayou View Middle School career pathways teacher. “We are so appreciative of the support Sparklight has given to make a difference in the learning environment of students at Bayou View. Students will be provided with the tools to bring their ideas to life and develop skills that will help them be successful as the next generation of engineers, innovators and community problem-solvers.” 

“Giving students the opportunity to learn by doing can spark a lasting interest in STEM and open doors for their future,” said Charlie Oakes, Sparklight Senior Regional Director, Gulf Coast. “We’re proud to support Bayou View Middle School and help create meaningful experiences that encourage creativity, problem-solving and real-world skill development.” 

Since its launch in 2019, Sparklight’s “Dream Bigger” initiative has awarded more than $200,000 in grants to support STEM education and expand access to innovative learning opportunities for K‒12 students. In 2026, 12 schools and organizations across Sparklight’s 24-state footprint were selected to receive funding for impactful, student-focused projects.

To learn more about Sparklight’s high-speed internet and affordable mobile services, please visit www.sparklight.com and mobile.sparklight.com, and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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