The 2025–26 school year will mark the 31st year that North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have funded educators’ innovative projects. During that time, Randolph EMC has issued more than $300,000 for critical projects that have benefited students in our five-county area. Grants are available in all curriculum areas including art, science, history, music and mathematics.

Bright Ideas grant applications will be accepted through Sept. 15, 2025, but teachers are encouraged to apply early.

Supported by all 26 electric cooperatives in North Carolina, Bright Ideas grants have contributed more than $16 million to N.C. classrooms, funding more than 15,400 projects benefiting close to four million students statewide since 1994.