Educators have the chance to bring their dream lesson plans to life with the help of Bright Ideas education grants from Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC). This year marks the 30th anniversary of the local electric cooperative providing grants to enhance educational experiences through creative and engaging projects. Teachers can apply online for grants up to $1,250 at ncbrightideas.com.

In celebration of 30 years of Bright Ideas, CCEC expects to award $30,000 in Bright Ideas grants to local teachers during the 2024-2025 school year. Funding is available for PreK-12 classroom projects in all curriculum areas including art, history, math, reading, science, technology, and more. Educators can apply as individuals or as a team. They must include a budget, project goals, implementation plan, and description of how the project will engage students and enhance their success.

Over the past 30 years, CCEC has issued over $616,000 in grants, funding 814 projects that have benefited over 168,000 students in Carteret County and Havelock.

The final application deadline is Sept. 15. Educators are encouraged to apply by Aug. 15 to be eligible for an additional $100 VISA gift card. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit ccemc.com/BrightIdeas to find details on submission requirements. 

The Bright Ideas education grant program is a shared initiative of all 26 electric co-ops in North Carolina. CCEC and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have collectively awarded nearly $16 million in grants, supporting more than 14,700 projects benefiting nearly four million students statewide.