RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are accepting applications for Bright Ideas education grants to fund creative, classroom-based learning projects. The final deadline to apply is in September, but those who submit their application by the early-bird deadline of Aug. 14 will be entered to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards.
“We’re proud to support educators whose hard work, dedication and enthusiasm impact the lives of so many young people,” said Lindsey Listrom, a coordinator of the Bright Ideas program for North Carolina’s electric cooperatives. “They give so much to their students, and with Bright Ideas grants and the early bird prizes, we’re honored to offer something in return. We encourage all interested teachers to apply early by Friday, Aug. 14 for a chance to win an extra $100.”
The electric cooperatives expect to award about 600 Bright Ideas grants worth a total of nearly $600,000 to teachers statewide during the 2015-2016 school year. Classroom teachers at qualifying schools can apply for grants individually or as a team. Grants are available to teachers in all 100 North Carolina counties for innovative, impactful projects in any subject. The application, grant-writing tips and more information about the Bright Ideas education grant program can be found at www.ncbrightideas.com.
A total of five $100 Visa gift cards will also be awarded in late August to teachers who submit their applications before the Aug. 14 early-bird deadline. These winners will be notified, and recognized on the Bright Ideas website and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ncbrightideas.
The Bright Ideas education grant program is an example of the electric cooperatives’ commitment to community. Since 1994, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have awarded more than $9.6 million in Bright Ideas grants funding for more than 9,200 projects benefitting 1.8 million students.
“North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are committed to supporting education and our local communities, and what better way to contribute than by partnering with teachers to enhance learning opportunities for our future leaders,” Listrom said.
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives serve more than 2.5 million people across North Carolina in 93 of the state’s 100 counties. The 26 electric cooperatives are private, independent and not-for-profit entities committed to providing a high standard of service to residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers with at-cost electric service.