As summer nears, may your ideas be bright! Whether you're a teacher in your first year, or your 10th, there are always new ideas or even replacement needs, and often times, a budget that doesn't allow for them.

A Bright Ideas grant could be just the item to help.

The Bright Ideas program awards grants to teachers in certified, public K-12 schools, who have innovative, classroom-based ideas.

Project ideas can come from anywhere, in any subject and any amount up to $2,500.

Each year, South River EMC awards at least $50,000 in grant funding to teachers in parts of Harnett, Johnston, Sampson and Cumberland counties.

Since 1994, educators statewide have received $15 million to fund over 14,200 projects affecting 3.5 million students.

However, applications for professional development will not be considered.

The application period opened April 1. Educators with applications in by August 15, are eligible to win a $100 Visa gift card. The final application deadline is September 15.

South River EMC accepts applications online at ncbrightideas.com.

If you want to learn more about this program, visit sremc.com or e-mail connections@sremc.com.