We are experiencing some hot days, but that’s a great time to collect and commit to your bright ideas.

The Bright Ideas grant program offers grants to teachers for innovative, classroom-based projects and ideas. Teachers across the state are using an assortment of classroom aids, kits and technology to keep learning interesting thanks to the Bright Ideas program.

South River EMC expects to award $50,000 in grants for classroom projects and materials this year. Teachers must be from a certified K-12, public school, and can apply for grants up to $2,500 from the Cooperative. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply. You can apply for grants in any subject matter, however, grants for professional development will not be accepted.

If your grant is ready and submitted by the early bird deadline, August 15, you may be eligible to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Don’t have an idea yet? There is still plenty of time, the final application deadline is September 15. Grants do not have to be completed in one sitting, you can save it and return to finish or add to it.

Always be sure to have someone read over your grant, this goes a long way in avoiding errors and submitting a great proposal. Don’t forget to have your principal’s approval before the grant is submitted.

Statewide, cooperatives annually fund over $530,000 in grants. Since inception, the Bright Ideas Grant program has funded $15 million in grants and has touched the lives of over 3.5 million North Carolina students.

Now is the time to visit www.ncbrightideas.com and considering the needs of your classroom and upcoming students. Get those great ideas out there for others and your students to see! Please remember, grants submitted to South River EMC must be done so through the Bright Ideas web site, www.ncbrightideas.com.

If you have questions, please contact South River EMC at 910-892-8071 or by e-mail at sremc@sremc.com.

South River EMC is a locally-owned and operated electric cooperative, which provides electric service to over 47,000 homes, farms and businesses in parts of Harnett, Cumberland, Sampson, Johnston and Bladen counties.

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