Central Electric is continually seeking ways to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.
That's why each year through the Bright Ideas Program, the Co-op awards approximately $15,000 to teachers to help bring creative and innovative projects into their classroom. Co-sponsored by the N.C. Association of Electric Cooperatives, the grants are available to teachers in area schools for projects that traditional school money does not cover. All of North Carolina's 26 electric Cooperatives participate in the program.
Each year, more than 2,000 applications are accepted from teachers in a variety of disciplines including music, art, history, reading, science, career-planning and information technology. Since the Bright Ideas program began in 1994, North Carolina's electric cooperatives have awarded over $16.5 million to teachers for 15,400 projects benefiting more than 3.8 million students.
The grant application window has closed for 2025. Applications will open for 2026 in April.
2025 Bright Ideas Grant Recipients
In 2025, the co-op awarded $15,000 to 14 educators, who were selected by an independent panel of judges. Since 1994, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have awarded more than $16.5 million to educators across the state.
Holly Bishop, Union Pines High School, "Game on for Great Arguments: Building Evidence-based Writing Skills through Play"
Cynthia Bredenberg, Jordan Matthews High School, “Mariposas Monarcas”
Jamie Cox, Siler City Elementary, “Learning About Electricity is a Snap!”
Cindy Kelly, Lee County High School, “PEPI (Physical Education Pupil Instructors)”
Samuel Lahr, East Lee Middle School, “Rocket Trail: Read, Explore, Learn!”
Lisa Long, Highland Elementary, “4th Grade Journey Through NC Virtual Field Trip Series”
Cassie Lynch, Floyd L. Knight Child Center, “Making Waves in Adapted Physical Education”
Kristee Michelle McCusker, Central Carolina Academy, “Stages of Power Reacting to the Past”
Wendy Bryant Motley, J.R. Ingram, Jr. Elementary School, “Art Around the World: A Cultural Passport Adventure”
Darlene McDowell, Central Carolina Acadmey, “Detectives for a Brighter Global Future”
Spencer Reece, Floyd L. Knight Child Center, “Making Science Hands-on and Fun”
Katja Smith, Virginia Cross Elementary, "Gardening for the Community"
Micah Tyler, Central Carolina Academy, "Wingspan: A Student-Run Newsroom for our Community"
David Williamson, The O'Neal School, "Endangered Species Management Field Experiences: Woodpeckers and Wolves"
