DYERSBURG, Tenn., February 18, 2026 – Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) continued its long‑standing support for Northwest Tennessee students by contributing a combined $225,000 to local Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)/Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. Three school systems – Dyer County, Dyersburg City, and Obion County – each received $75,000 to expand hands‑on learning experiences that prepare young people for high‑demand careers in manufacturing, engineering, and information technology.
Official presentations were held on February 12 at South Fulton High School and February 13 at Dyer County High School and Dyersburg Intermediate School.
“The strength of our manufacturing future lies in the talent we nurture today,” said ERMCO Chief People Officer Angela Newbill. “As one of the largest employers in Northwest Tennessee, we’re proud of our role in the industry and remain committed to expanding STEM and CTE opportunities that inspire students and build meaningful career pathways for the next generation.”
“We have seen firsthand how students thrive when they are given access to strong CTE opportunities,” said ERMCO Talent Acquisition Manager Brad Whittle. “Through the programs we’ve supported, students are gaining practical, career-ready skills that build their confidence and prepare them for success beyond the classroom. These experiences spark curiosity, teamwork, and real-world problem solving – qualities that will serve them well as the next generation of talent in our industry.”
This year marks the fourth $75,000 donation from ERMCO to the STEM/CTE programs at Dyer County and Dyersburg City school systems and the second to Obion County.
“These partnerships go beyond financial support,” said Dyer County Schools CTE Director Jennifer Barham. “They represent a shared commitment to investing in students, strengthening education, and building a future workforce. ERMCO’s involvement shows students that local organizations believe in their potential and are willing to actively support their growth.”
“Working with a community partner like ERMCO has been incredibly valuable for our students and our school system,” said Dyersburg City Schools CTE Director Kim Yeiter. “These partnerships go beyond funding. They help connect what students are learning in the classroom to real career opportunities and show them what is possible right here in our community.”
“In addition to tangible items that we can purchase for student use,” said Obion County Schools Secondary Supervisor of Instruction, CTE and Alternative Education George Leake. “We rely on workforce development conversations to ensure that our programs are equipping students to enter the workforce prepared for success.”
According to school officials, this round of funding will be used to expand and upgrade STEM lab spaces and CTE programs, purchase hands-on tools and technology, and support curriculum enhancements and student-led projects.
Local CTE Directors shared additional thoughts about ERMCO’s partnership:
“It allows us to say yes to experiences, equipment, and hands-on learning that truly change how students see themselves and their futures,” Yeiter said. “But beyond that, they mean our students are seen. They know a local company believes in them, values their education, and is willing to invest in who they are becoming. That kind of support stays with students long after the classroom and leaves a lasting impact on their confidence and goals.”
“More importantly, they [donations] send a powerful message to our students that their education matters and that their community is invested in their success,” Barham said. “We are deeply grateful for this support, as it directly impacts student engagement, confidence, and long-term outcomes.”
“Younger students get experience building and using their hands for projects that far exceed what they learn in a textbook,” Leake said. “This allows us to give students more relevant, hands-on experiences with the purchase of the same equipment students will see in the workplace.”
These donations follow a $40,000 gift from ERMCO to Bristol, Wisconsin-based school districts for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM)/CTE education in December 2025, where ERMCO opened a new manufacturing facility last year.
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About ERMCO, Inc.
ERMCO, Inc. Is a leading manufacturer of liquid-filled distribution transformers for the utility, commercial industrial markets. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO and its affiliates – ECI-Greeneville (Tenn.), ECI-Bristol (Wis.), GridBridge (N.C.), Power Partners (Ga.), Pioneer Transformers (Granby, Quebec), Reynosa (Mexico), and soon-to-be new three-phase manufacturing facility in Maricopa County, Ariz. – employ nearly 3,500 team members across North America. Offering a full range of pole- and pad-mounted transformers, related components, and power solutions for global utilities, ERMCO is proud to be the industry’s Most Valed Partner. ERMCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI).
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