Local educators have until Sept. 15 to submit an application for a Bright Ideas grant to bring their dream classroom project to life. 
Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to enhance educational experiences through creative and engaging projects. Teachers can apply online at www.ncbrightideas.com.
Albemarle EMC expects to award more than $12,000 in Bright Ideas grants to local teachers during the 2026-2027 school year. Funding is available for K-12 classroom projects in all curriculum areas including art, history, math, reading, science, technology and more. Educators can apply as individuals or as a team and must include a budget, project goals, implementation plan and description of how the project will engage students and enhance their success. 
The Bright Ideas education grant program is a shared initiative of all 26 electric co-ops in North Carolina. Collectively, Albemarle EMC and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have awarded nearly $17 million in grants, supporting more than 16,000 projects benefiting close to four million students statewide.