Since the program began in 1994, the Bright Ideas Education Grant Program has provided necessary funding to K–12 teachers across North Carolina to fund creative, hands-on classroom projects.

“Bright Ideas education grants are one of the most important ways that electric co-ops support local teachers and students, and strengthen our communities,” said Jennifer Heiss, Bright Ideas coordinator for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “The record-breaking amount awarded last year shows our cooperative leaders’ continued commitment to investing in our future leaders through a program that really makes a difference for students.”

Past Bright Ideas Project

“Break Out of the Box”

Teacher: Leigh Ann Howard, Forest Hills Middle School (Wilson County)

Participating students: 400

Students worked in groups to solve “escape room”-type mysteries with multiple clues, requiring critical thinking and team work. The grant funded these kits from Breakout EDU, an immersive learning platform that turns classrooms into academically focused escape rooms and facilitates critical thinking and team work.