North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are kicking off the 20th year of awarding Bright Ideas education grants to North Carolina teachers and are now accepting grant applications. Nearly $600,000 in Bright Ideas grants will be awarded to educators statewide in the 2014-15 school year to fund creative, hands-on classroom projects that fall outside traditional school budgets.
“North Carolina’s electric cooperatives support the local communities they serve, and Bright Ideas grants are a substantial way for us to help teachers make a different for their students,” said Lindsey Listrom, Bright Ideas coordinator for North Carolina’s electric cooperatives. “These grants give teachers new resources to invigorate and excite their students, and we believe there is no more important investment than in the education of our future leaders.”
Bright Ideas grants are available to K-12 teachers for innovative projects in any subject. Educators can apply individually or as a team by submitting a simple online application. Maximum grant amounts range from $1,000 – $3,000, depending on the sponsoring electric cooperative’s policy.
Applications are accepted April 1 through September, with the final application deadline date varying regionally. Listrom noted it could pay to apply early. Teachers who submit their applications by the early bird deadline of Friday, Aug. 15 will be automatically entered to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards.
To apply, teachers must include a budget, explain the creative elements, implementation, goals and evaluation of the project, and have approval from the school principal. Applications will be judged in a competitive evaluation process, and judges will be on the lookout for projects that feature innovation and creativity.
“Year after year, we are amazed by the creativity and dedication that teachers put into their applications,” Listrom said. “We’re proud to continue the co-ops’ long tradition of supporting educators and investing in the future of our state.”
