Bright Ideas Education Grants

Bright Ideas Education Grants

For 30 years, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have helped light up learning in K-12 classrooms statewide through the Bright Ideas education grant program. N.C. teachers with innovative ideas for creative learning projects can submit an online application April through September of each year.

Bright Ideas education grants are supporting local communities across the state. Watch the video to learn more about the impact Bright Ideas grants have on classrooms and students, as described by grant winners from Sanford-based Central Electric.

 

Approximately 600 grants are awarded annually by our state’s electric cooperatives for projects that improve classroom instruction and utilize innovative teaching methods. Applications are accepted from teachers in a variety of disciplines including music, art, history, reading, science, technology, math and engineering, just to name a few, and educators may apply as individuals or as a team.

To be considered for a grant, the proposed project must meet the following criteria:

  • Be reviewed and approved by your principal or supervisor
  • Directly involve and provide ongoing benefits to students
  • Seek to achieve clearly defined goals and learning objectives
  • Use innovative and creative teaching methods
  • Feature measurable results that can be evaluated upon completion
  • Cannot be used for salaries or professional development

The Bright Ideas Education Grant program is part of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives’ continued commitment to building a brighter future. To learn more about about specific eligibility requirements, contact your sponsoring cooperative.

$15.8 Million Awarded
14,700 Projects Funded
3.65 Million Students Impacted

Find your Sponsoring Cooperative

Albemarle EMC

Headquarters

125 Cooperative Way

Hertford, NC 27944

P.O. Box 69

Phone (800) 215-9915 or (252) 426-5735

Fax (252) 426-8270

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Chris Powell Director of Public Relations (252) 426-2586

Office Hours

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Counties Served

Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Perquimans and Pasquotank

Average Total Consumers

12,818

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Monday Night

Annual Meeting

Third Saturday in September

Number of Employees

37

Miles of Line

1,420

Blue Ridge Energy

Headquarters

1216 Blowing Rock Blvd. N.E. P.O. Box 112

Lenoir, NC 28645

P.O. Box 112

Phone (800) 451-5474 or (828) 758-2383

Fax Fax: (828) 754-1831

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Tasha Rountree Director of Community Relations and Economic Development (828) 759-8959

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Watauga and Wilkes

Average Total Consumers

76,093

Monthly Board Meeting

Last Thursday (Jan., April, July, Oct.), Fourth Thursday other months

Number of Employees

165

Miles of Line

8,307

Brunswick Electric

Headquarters

795 Ocean Highway West

Supply, NC 28462

P.O. Box 826, Shallotte 28459-0826

Phone (800) 842-5871 or (910) 754-4391

Fax (910) 755-4299

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Lisa Fitzgerald VP, Finance (910) 7544-391 x5313

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and Robeson

Average Total Consumers

89,114

Monthly Board Meeting

Last Thursday

Annual Meeting

September

Number of Employees

164

Miles of Line

6,742

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative

Headquarters

47109 Light Plant Rd.

Buxton, NC 27920

P.O. Box 9

Phone (800) 454-5616 or (252) 995-5616

Fax (252) 995-4088

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Laura Ertle Director of Public Relations & Marketing (252) 995-7083

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Dare

Average Total Consumers

7,416

Monthly Board Meeting

Third Thursday

Annual Meeting

May

Number of Employees

25

Miles of Line

338

Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

Headquarters

1300 Hwy. 24 West

Newport, NC 28570

P.O. Box 1499

Phone (800) 682-2217 or (252) 247-3107

Fax (252) 247-5997

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Melissa Glenn Communications Director (252) 727-2221

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Carteret, Craven, Jones and Onslow

Average Total Consumers

39,691

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Monday of each month

Annual Meeting

First Thursday in May

Number of Employees

69

Miles of Line

2,432

Central Electric

Headquarters

128 Wilson Rd.

Sanford, NC 27331

P.O. Box 1107

Phone (800) 446-7752 or (919) 774-4900

Fax (919) 774-1860

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Jody Albright VP of Member Services & Business Services (919) 708-1635

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Chatham, Harnett, Lee, Moore and Randolph

Average Total Consumers

22,600

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Wednesday night

Annual Meeting

First Friday in October

Number of Employees

62

Miles of Line

2,517

Edgecombe-Martin County EMC

Headquarters

679 N.C. Highway 33 E.

Tarboro, NC 27886

P.O. Box 188

Phone (800) 445-6486 or (252) 823-2171

Fax (252) 823-4535

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Eddie Stocks VP of Member & Industrial Development (252) 813-8463

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Beaufort, Bertie, Edgecombe, Halifax, Martin, Nash, Pitt and Wilson

Average Total Consumers

11,286

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Thursday

Annual Meeting

Third Saturday in March

Number of Employees

37

Miles of Line

1,480

EnergyUnited

Headquarters

567 Mocksville Hwy.

Statesville, NC 28625

P.O. Box 1831, Statesville, NC 28687-1831

Phone (800) 522-3793 or (704) 873-5241

Fax (704) 924-2120

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Joshua Cleveland Manager, Business Development (704) 924-2148

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Alexander, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth,
Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph,
Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Wilkes and Yadkin

Average Total Consumers

130,039

Monthly Board Meeting

Third Thursday

Annual Meeting

Third Thursday in September

Number of Employees

185

Miles of Line

13,004

Four County EMC

Headquarters

1822 NC 53 West

Burgaw, NC 28425-0667

P.O. Box 667

Phone (910) 259-2171 or

Fax (910) 259-1860

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Greg Sager VP of Member Services (910) 259-1882

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Bladen, Columbus, Duplin, Onslow, Pender and Sampson

Average Total Consumers

32,878

Monthly Board Meeting

Last Tuesday

Annual Meeting

First Monday in October

Number of Employees

94

Miles of Line

5,075

French Broad EMC

Headquarters

3043 Highway 213

Marshall, NC 28753-0009

P.O. Box 9

Phone (828) 649-2051 or (800) 222-6190 (NC & TN)

Fax (828) 649-2989

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Sam Hutchins Member Services Manager (828) 649-2051

Office Hours

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Counties Served

Buncombe, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey in NC; Unicoi and Cocke in TN

Average Total Consumers

37,986

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Tuesday

Annual Meeting

First Saturday In May

Number of Employees

108

Miles of Line

4,690

Halifax EMC

Headquarters

208 West Whitfield St.

Enfield, NC 27823-0667

P.O. Box 667

Phone (252) 445-5111 or (252) 445-5113

Fax (252) 445-2398

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Julia Allsbrook Manager of Marketing & Economic Development (252) 445-1188

Office Hours

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Halifax, Martin, Nash and Warren counties

Average Total Consumers

11,740

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Tuesday

Number of Employees

42

Miles of Line

1,703

Haywood EMC

Headquarters

376 Grindstone Rd.

Waynesville, NC 28785

Phone (828) 452-2281 or (800) 951-6088

Fax (828) 926-4290

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Mitch Bearden Manager of Marketing & Economic Development (828) 926-4470 x4117

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Buncombe, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Madison and Transylvania in NC; Oconee in SC; and Rabun in GA

Average Total Consumers

27,000

Monthly Board Meeting

Last Wednesday

Annual Meeting

Second Thursday in August

Number of Employees

70

Miles of Line

2,954

Jones-Onslow EMC

Headquarters

259 Western Boulevard

Jacksonville, NC 28546

Phone (910) 353-1940 or (800) 682-1515

Fax (910) 353-8000

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Steve Goodson VP of Communications & Business Strategy (910) 577-6348

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Craven, Duplin, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow and Pender

Average Total Consumers

74,639

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Tuesday

Annual Meeting

Last Friday in March

Number of Employees

159

Miles of Line

2,441

Lumbee River EMC

Headquarters

6090 NC Hwy 711

Pembroke, NC 28372

Phone (800) 683-5571 or (910) 843-4131

Fax (910) 843-2079

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Josh Locklear Manager of Key Accounts (910) 843-7941

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson and Scotland

Average Total Consumers

57,601

Monthly Board Meeting

Third Tuesday

Annual Meeting

October

Number of Employees

120

Miles of Line

5,793

Pee Dee Electric

Headquarters

9825 Hwy 74 East

Lilesville, NC 28091

Phone (800) 992-1626 or (704) 694-2114

Fax (704) 694-9636

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Jeremy Dewberry VP of Communications and Member Services (704) 694-7609

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Anson, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly and Union

Average Total Consumers

21,037

Monthly Board Meeting

Second Thursday

Annual Meeting

First Thursday in October

Number of Employees

64

Miles of Line

3,370

Piedmont Electric

Headquarters

2500 NC 86 S.

Hillsborough, NC 27278-1179

Phone (800) 222-3107 or (919) 732-2123

Fax (919) 644-1030

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Susan Cashion VP, Compliance and Administrative Officer (919) 241-1176

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Granville, Orange and Person

Average Total Consumers

32,720

Monthly Board Meeting

Third Monday

Annual Meeting

April

Number of Employees

98

Miles of Line

3,585

Pitt & Greene EMC

Headquarters

Farmville, NC 27828-0249

P.O. Box 249

Phone (800) 622-1362 or (252) 753-3128

Fax (252) 753-3136

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Tammy Murphy Communications Specialist (252) 753-3128 x210

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Edgecombe, Greene, Lenoir, Pitt, Wayne and Wilson

Average Total Consumers

8,720

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Thursday

Annual Meeting

First Thursday in November

Number of Employees

33

Miles of Line

1,080

Randolph EMC

Headquarters

879 McDowell Rd.

Asheboro, NC 27205

P.O. Box 40, Asheboro, 27204-0040

Phone (800) 672-8212 or (336) 625-5177

Fax (336) 626-1551

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Fred Smith VP of Economic Development & Compliance (336) 625-8146

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Alamance, Chatham, Montgomery, Moore and Randolph

Average Total Consumers

31,717

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Monday night

Annual Meeting

June

Number of Employees

80

Miles of Line

4,313

Roanoke Cooperative

Headquarters

518 NC 561 West

Aulander, NC 27805

P.O. Drawer 1326, Ahoskie, N.C. 27910

Phone (800) 433-2236 or (252) 209-2236

Fax (252) 209-5040

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Basil Williams Sr. Manager, Member Services, Communications & Public Relations (252) 209-2221

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Bertie, Chowan, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Northampton and Perquimans

Average Total Consumers

14,110

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Monday

Annual Meeting

Fourth Saturday in August

Number of Employees

58

Miles of Line

2,452

Rutherford EMC

Headquarters

186 Hudlow Rd.

Forest City, NC 28043-1569

P.O. Box 1569

Phone (800) 521-0920 or (828) 245-1621

Fax (828) 248-2319

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Brad Bridges Director of District Operations (704) 689-9367

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, McDowell, Mitchell,
Polk and Rutherford

Average Total Consumers

69,490

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Tuesday

Annual Meeting

Last Saturday in October

Number of Employees

183

Miles of Line

7,700

South River EMC

Headquarters

17494 U.S. 421 S.

Dunn, NC 28334

Phone (800) 338-5530 or (910) 892-8071

Fax (910) 891-7189

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Cathy O'Dell VP of Member Services & Public Relations (910) 230-2982

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Johnston and Sampson

Average Total Consumers

44,256

Monthly Board Meeting

First Monday night

Annual Meeting

Second Thursday in April

Number of Employees

104

Miles of Line

4,709

Surry-Yadkin EMC

Headquarters

510 South Main St.

Dobson, NC 27017-0305

P.O. Box 305

Phone (800) 682-5903 or (336) 356-8241

Fax (356) 356-9744

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Travis Bode Manager of Economic Development (336) 356-5238

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin

Average Total Consumers

27,081

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Wednesday

Annual Meeting

First Saturday in October

Number of Employees

64

Miles of Line

4,076

Tideland EMC

Headquarters

25831 Hwy. 264 E.

Pantego, NC 27860

P.O. Box 159

Phone (800) 637-1079 or (252) 943-3046

Fax (252) 943-3510

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Paul Spruill General Manager & CEO (252) 943-3040

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Beaufort, Craven, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico and Washington

Average Total Consumers

22,914

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Thursday

Annual Meeting

Second Friday in May

Number of Employees

64

Miles of Line

2,684

Tri-County EMC

Headquarters

4255 U.S. 117 Alt

Dudley, NC 28333-7243

P.O. Box 130, Dudley, NC 28333-0130

Phone (800) 548-4869 or (919) 735-2611

Fax (919) 734-6277

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Bob Kornegay Manager of Member Relations (919) 587-9575

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Duplin, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, Sampson, Wayne and Wilson

Average Total Consumers

24,626

Monthly Board Meeting

Last Thursday night of each month

Annual Meeting

Second Saturday in November

Number of Employees

50

Miles of Line

2,578

Union Power Cooperative

Headquarters

1525 Rocky River Rd. N.

Monroe, NC 28110

P.O. Box 5014, Monroe, NC 28111-5014

Phone (800) 922-6840 or (704) 289-3145

Fax (704) 296-0408

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Carrie Stroud VP of Communications & Marketing (704) 220-0714

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union

Average Total Consumers

74,840

Monthly Board Meeting

Second Saturday in February, April, June, August, October & December

Annual Meeting

October

Number of Employees

137

Miles of Line

5,975

Wake Electric

Headquarters

100 South Franklin St.

Wake Forest, NC 27588-1229

P.O. Box 1229

Phone (800) 474-6300 or (919) 863-6300

Fax (919) 863-6379

Cooperative Economic Development Contact

Kirk Metcalf Manager of Member Services (919) 863-6406

Office Hours

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Counties Served

Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Nash, Vance and Wake

Average Total Consumers

43,593

Monthly Board Meeting

Fourth Tuesday

Annual Meeting

Fourth Friday in March

Number of Employees

46

Miles of Line

3,276