Belmont, North Carolina, May 23, 2023 – Piedmont Lithium Inc. (“Piedmont” or “Company”) (Nasdaq:PLL; ASX:PLL), a developer of lithium resources critical to the U.S. electric vehicle supply chain, today announced three Tennessee students as scholars of the Piedmont Lithium Foundation – Power for Life, Inc. (“Power for Life”).

Bradley Farmer of Central High School of McMinn County, Wesley (“Alex”) Gaskins of Central High School of McMinn County, and Logan Smith of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (“UTC”) were selected to receive up to $20,000 to help further their pursuit of their education related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (“STEM”). The recipients are eligible to receive up to $5,000 per year for four consecutive years to assist with tuition, room, and board expenses at an accredited post-secondary institution.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to recognize these outstanding students with scholarships,” said Kris McVey, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Piedmont and President of Power for Life. “We were impressed by Bradley, Alex, and Logan because they have excelled academically while demonstrating a keen commitment to their communities. We believe the future is bright for these students, and we look forward to supporting the next chapters in their academic careers.”

Farmer, who recently graduated as co-valedictorian of Central High School of McMinn County, is planning to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to earn a degree in mechanical engineering. Throughout high school, he worked with his uncle in the automobile industry, which sparked his passion for understanding machines. Farmer enjoys problem-solving and seeks to develop technological advancements to help build a better world.

Central High School of McMinn County student Bradley Farmer (left), University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student Logan Smith (middle), and Central High School of McMinn County student Alex Gaskins (right) are the 2023 Tennessee Piedmont Lithium Power for Life scholars.

Gaskins recently graduated as co-valedictorian of Central High School of McMinn County, where he served as captain of the golf team and manager of the varsity boys basketball team. Civically, Gaskins has been actively involved in Zion Hill Baptist Church and Boy Scouts of America. Gaskins plans to attend Tennessee Tech University to earn a degree in chemical engineering and advance research efforts in renewable sources of energy.

Smith, a student at UTC, plans to utilize the scholarship to complete his bachelor’s degree in mechatronics engineering technology, which integrates mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering. In 2018, Smith earned county wide recognition as the APEX CTE Student of the Year. He subsequently graduated from Central High School of McMinn County with honors of distinction as a Tennessee Ready Graduate and a Work Ethic Diploma recipient. He later earned an associate degree and worked as a DENSO Co-Op for two years, gaining practical experience, while maintaining involvement in his community.

Piedmont launched Power for Life earlier this year to focus on important charitable and educational initiatives to support the communities in which Piedmont expects to operate in North Carolina and Tennessee.  Power for Life supports various philanthropic efforts and organizations in the communities, including sponsoring STEM initiatives within local K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions as well as scholarships for current and future STEM students. In addition to Farmer, Gaskins, and Smith, Power for Life also selected three scholarship recipients from North Carolina as part of its 2023 scholarship program: Michael Jones, Riley Kiser, and Ella Tynan.

For more information on Power for Life, email foundation@piedmontlithium.com or visit us online by clicking here.

About Piedmont Lithium 

Piedmont Lithium (Nasdaq:PLL; ASX:PLL) is developing a world-class, multi-asset, integrated lithium business focused on enabling the transition to a net zero world and the creation of a clean energy economy in North America. Our goal is to become one of the largest lithium hydroxide producers in North America by processing spodumene concentrate produced from assets where we hold an economic interest. Our projects include our Carolina Lithium and Tennessee Lithium projects in the United States and partnerships in Quebec with Sayona Mining (ASX:SYA) and in Ghana with Atlantic Lithium (AIM:ALL; ASX:A11). These geographically diversified operations will enable us to play a pivotal role in supporting America’s move toward energy independence and the electrification of transportation and energy storage. For more information, follow us on Twitter @PiedmontLithium and visit www.piedmontlithium.com.

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