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Rutherford EMC, along with electric cooperatives across the state, is accepting applications for Bright Ideas grants for creative, classroom-based learning projects. The final deadline to apply is Sept. 19.
"We are proud to support educators whose dedication and enthusiasm impact young minds in our community," said Dirk Burleson, vice president of member and corporate services at Rutherford EMC. "These educators go above and beyond and are true leaders in their schools and their communities. We encourage all interested teachers to submit an application by Sept. 19 to beat the final deadline."
Teachers can apply for Bright Ideas grants of up to $1,000. More than $600,000 in Bright Ideas funding will be awarded to teachers statewide during the upcoming school year.
The application, grant-writing tips and more information about the Bright Ideas education grant program can be found at www.ncbrightideas.com. Keep in mind that classroom teachers at qualifying schools can apply individually or as a team.
Last year, Rutherford EMC awarded over $16,600 to fund 22 projects at schools in Burke, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, McDowell, Polk and Rutherford counties. These grants were projected to benefit more than 2,500 students.
For more than 20 years, North Carolina's electric cooperatives have supported teachers and students with Bright Ideas grants. Since 1994, North Carolina's electric cooperatives have awarded more than $11.5 million in Bright Ideas grant funding for more than 11,000 projects benefiting an estimated 2.2 million students.
"Rutherford EMC is dedicated to supporting education in our communities," Burleson said. "We believe there is no better way to foster new learning opportunities for our future leaders than by empowering teachers."
North Carolina's electric cooperatives power the lives of 2.5 million people in 93 of the state's 100 counties. Rutherford EMC, headquartered in Forest City, is one of these electric cooperatives. Rutherford EMC maintains over 7,300 miles of power lines to provide electricity to over 71,000 meters in a 10-county area of the southwestern Piedmont of North Carolina. The Bright Ideas education grant program is an example of the electric cooperatives' commitment to community and education.
