This year, Union Power Cooperative granted more than $19,000 to local teachers for their ‘bright ideas’ – and nearly 8,000 students will benefit from the Bright Ideas grants awarded during surprise visits to classrooms throughout November and December.

The Bright Ideas grant program, sponsored by North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, strives to improve education in North Carolina classrooms.

Grants of up to $2,000 are awarded to teachers for innovative, classroom-based projects in grades K-12 that would not otherwise be funded.

“Through these innovative and creative ideas, students are engaged in learning in the classroom. We are thankful we can help strengthen our communities through programs like Bright Ideas,” Carrie Stroud said.

Congratulations to our winners!