We are honored to support such passionate and innovative educators. Their projects will not only enhance student engagement but also foster creative thinking, encourage exploration beyond traditional boundaries, and equip students with valuable skills that will help them become future leaders. While educators often have brilliant ideas for enriching the classroom experience, they may lack the funding to bring those ideas to life—this is where the Bright Ideas grant program steps in.
The recipients of this year’s Bright Ideas grants include:
• Kimberly Long – Edgecombe Early College
• Ashley Davis – Edgecombe Early College
• Jennifer Lewis – North East Carolina Prep
• Morgan Hardison – North East Carolina Prep
• Paula Greenwaldt – North East Carolina Prep
• Heather Jones – North East Carolina Prep School
• Brandy Davis – Belvoir Elementary
• Trudy Garris – Stokes Elementary
• Sarah Lawrence – Bear Grass Charter School
These grants will support projects in various subjects, including music, art, history, reading, science, math, and more. The Bright Ideas program is specifically designed to help local educators bring innovative concepts to life, expand learning opportunities, and enhance student success in K-12 classrooms.
As one of 26 electric cooperatives in North Carolina offering these grants, Edgecombe-Martin County EMC is proud to continue this tradition of supporting local education. Over the past 30 years, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have awarded nearly $16 million in Bright Ideas funding, supporting 14,700 projects and positively impacting over 3.65 million students.
The Bright Ideas program reflects Edgecombe-Martin County EMC’s ongoing commitment to fostering a brighter future through educational support. Teachers are encouraged to apply for the next round of grants, with applications open annually from April through mid-September. A panel of judges evaluates proposals and selects recipients through a competitive process.
To stay updated on the impact of Bright Ideas grants in your community, follow Edgecombe-Martin County EMC on social media @Edgecombe-Martin on Facebook and Instagram. For more information on the program or to apply, visit www.ncbrightideas.com or follow @NCBrightIdeas on Facebook and Twitter.