In rural North Carolina, agricultural education is a staple for many schools. With agriculture being one of the state’s largest industries, there is a strong focus on supporting students who will become future leaders in farming, agribusiness and sustainability.

Chris Hicks, an agriculture teacher at Lakewood High School in Sampson County, is dedicated to advancing agricultural education through engaging and innovative projects. One of the ways he said he’s able to do this is through the cooperatives’ Bright Ideas education grant program.

“If it were not for Bright Ideas, we wouldn’t have been able to build the facilities we have or purchase some pretty expensive equipment,” Hicks said. “All of our program areas—agromechanics, horticulture and animal science—have benefited from these grants.”

Through his innovative ideas and support from his local electric cooperative, South River Electric Membership Corporation, Hicks said these hands-on projects can shape the future of the state.

“It’s important for students to realize where their food comes from and the processes involved,” Hicks said. “Hopefully, that inspires students to work in agribusiness or even become farmers themselves, further fueling the agriculture pipeline we rely on.”

Innovation in agriculture

A recipient of multiple Bright Ideas grants from South River EMC, Hicks has worked hard to reimagine learning inside and outside his classroom. Over the years, he has used the grants to fund raised-bed gardens, a hydroponic tower and, most recently, grapevines to be used in community partnerships.

Hicks said the highlight of his Bright Ideas projects was building a chicken coop where students raised 27 birds, which they later donated to the local food bank.

“Our program attracts students because of the many hands-on experiences that bring classroom lessons to life,” Hicks said. “My job as an agriculture teacher is to prepare students for careers and equip them with skills they can use to sustain themselves and their families.”

Hicks emphasized that the impact of Bright Ideas grants extends beyond his classroom.

“These projects benefit our entire department and even students outside of agriculture classes,” Hicks said. “What’s even more exciting is being able to build on these projects year after year, impacting so many young minds.”

Helping students across North Carolina

The Bright Ideas education grant program is a shared initiative of all 26 electric cooperatives in North Carolina. Collectively, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have awarded nearly $16.5 million in grants, supporting more than 15,400 projects that have benefited nearly four million students statewide.

The program encourages teachers at all grade levels and in any subject to apply and bring their dream lesson plans to life.

“The Bright Ideas grant program has empowered educators to ignite a passion for learning by offering enhanced educational opportunities for students for more than 30 years,” said Catherine O’Dell, vice president of member services and public relations at South River EMC.

For Hicks, having his local electric cooperative invest in education and his classroom is more than just financial support—it’s a commitment to the future of his students and the community.

“These grants remind students that their community believes in them,” Hicks said. “That kind of encouragement makes a real difference in the classroom.”