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

Project ideas can be for any topic and can 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 $15.8 million to fund over 14,700 projects affecting 3.65 million students.

Applications for professional development will not be considered for funding.

Educators with applications in by Aug. 15 are eligible to win a $100 Visa gift card. The final application deadline is Sept. 15.