United Communications employees Alex Conyers and BJ Webb present a $7,500 STEM education grant to administrators at Marshall County Public Schools. (United Communications)
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (October 31, 2025) — United Communications, Tennessee’s largest independent internet provider, today announced that it presented two grants totaling $15,000 to support STEM—or science, technology, engineering, and math—education to Bedford County Schools and Marshall County Schools. This grant is part of United’s ongoing commitment to strengthen the local communities it serves.
The STEM education grants of $7,500 each will assist both counties in purchasing science kits for their new learning labs—part of a newly adopted science curriculum for the 2025-26 academic year to help students develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills through hands-on learning experiences.
“We’re deeply grateful to United Communications for their generous support,” said Justin Perry, director of Marshall County Schools. “Their continued investment in our students and teachers reflects their commitment to building stronger communities.”
“This gift from United Communications comes at a perfect time,” added Dr. Tammy Garrett, Bedford County superintendent of schools. “Their support helps us meet real needs in our STEM education and gives our students the resources they need to thrive in the classroom.”
The Tennessee Department of Education expects to see 16-43% growth across a variety of STEM occupations in fields like computing, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. This growth underscores the importance of equipping local students with the skills necessary for pursuing high-wage careers. At $103,580, the median annual wage for STEM professionals is more than double that of workers in non-STEM occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
This year’s STEM education grants build on United’s broader charitable work to support students and educators across Middle Tennessee.
Kristina Troglen, senior marketing manager at United Communications, presents a $7,500 STEM education grant to Bedford County Schools. (United Communications)
United also provides free high-speed internet to the Boys & Girls Clubs in Smyrna and Shelbyville, enhancing afterschool programming for local K-12 students. Since 2010, the United Community Foundation has awarded more than $95,000 in merit-based scholarships to 31 students in the region.
“United is honored to stand beside our STEM educators and invest in tomorrow’s innovators as part of our broader mission to build stronger communities across Middle Tennessee,” said Josh Lynch, chief operating officer at United Communications. “In addition to having access to the fastest, most reliable internet service, we believe that every child in Middle Tennessee deserves the opportunity to receive a world-class education grounded in science and technology to gain the skills they need for successful careers.”
United Communications, a service of Middle Tennessee Electric, operates over 4,800 route miles of fiber, connecting more than 100,000 homes and businesses across the region.
Through Project UNITE, the company has invested over $180 million to deliver high‑speed fiber service to underserved communities and close the digital divide across its 11-county service area. Recent investments include a $12 million expansion to connect 1,000 homes in central Marshall County and a $4 million project to bring 8 Gig fiber internet to Bedford County.
Ready to experience the United difference? Visit United.net or call 931-364-2227 today to join the thousands already enjoying lightning-fast fiber internet and exceptional local service.
# # #
About United Communications
United Communications is a leading provider of internet and phone services for residential customers, small and mid-sized businesses, and enterprise-level organizations across Middle Tennessee. United has been nationally and regionally recognized, winning the 2024 and 2023 Best Places To Work award from the Nashville Business Journal, the 2024 and 2025 Gold Stevie® Award from the American Business Awards®, a 2025 BBC Mag Top 100 Fiber-To-The-Home Leader designation, and a 2023 Torch Award from the BBB. United was honored by the NCTA in their 2025 Smart Rural Community Showcase Awards.
United operates more than 6,100 route miles of fiber covering portions of Bedford, Davidson, Franklin, Giles, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Rutherford, Williamson, and Wilson counties. United Communications is a service of Middle Tennessee Electric. To learn more, please visit united.net.
Media Contact
Chris Song
chris@greenapplestrategy.com