Co-op Classroom Grants Totaled $643,000 in 2016

Last year, electric co-ops supporting the work of K–12 teachers across the state by awarding more than $643,000 through the Bright Ideas program. 

More than 600 grants were awarded out of nearly 1,600 applications received, and the funds will support programs that benefit more than 147,000 students in North Carolina.

“Every year, the electric co-ops are so honored to be able to support local educators with these grants,” said program coordinator Safaniya Stevenson, community relations specialist for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “From an urban beekeeping project (“Cape Hatteras Honey Bees,” March 2017, page 7) to books sparking an interest in reading, all of the grant projects were truly exceptional. We continue to be amazed by the creativity and dedication that our state’s educators put into their Bright Ideas grant projects.”

Since the program began in 1994, educators in grades K-12 have been able to apply for grants for innovative, classroom-based projects that would not otherwise be funded. Teachers are eligible even if they have received a grant in the past. In most cases, projects can be funded up to $2,000, and more than 10,000 projects have been funded over the years.

Bright Ideas grant applications for 2017 are being accepted

April 1 through September. Grants are awarded in November.

For more information and to apply, visit ncbrightideas.com.