Fueling innovation in local classrooms
Central Electric is continually looking for ways to support the communities we serve. One way is by annually awarding Bright Ideas grants to local educators. The program helps support engaging and innovative classroom projects.
This year, 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.
Congratulations to the following 2025 Bright Ideas grant recipients:
- Holly Bishop, Union Pines HS
- Cynthia Bredenberg, Jordan Matthews HS
- Jamie Cox, Siler City Elementary
- Cindy Kelly, Lee County HS
- Samuel Lahr, East Lee Middle School
- Lisa Long, Highland Elementary
- Cassie Lynch, Floyd L. Knight Child Center
- Kristee McCusker, Central Carolina Academy
- Wendy Motley, J.R. Ingram, Jr. Elementary
- Darlene McDowell, Central Carolina Academy
- Spencer Reece, Floyd L. Knight Child Center
- Katja Smith, Virginia Cross Elementary
- Micah Tyler, Central Carolina Academy
- David Williamson, The O'Neal School
The application process for grants will reopen in April 2026. Visit our Bright Ideas web page HERE to learn more about the Bright Ideas program and see photos of our winners.
