SUPPLY, N.C. (July 20, 2022​) — BEMC has been providing grants of up to $2,000 each year to local educators looking to bring creative learning classroom projects to life, and the deadline for this year’s applications is approaching. The final deadline is September 15, and those who apply by August 15 will be eligible for a $100 Visa gift card drawing. Funding is available for K-12 classroom projects, and last year, 26 teachers in Brunswick and Columbus counties received $34,372 in grants for subjects ranging from art, history and math to reading, science and technology. Teachers can find more information and apply online at bemc.org/bright-ideas.

“Teachers have an immeasurable impact on our children’s success, and we’re glad to do our part to support their efforts,” said Brookes Versaggi, Manager of Member Engagement and Communications. “Just like these educators, we’re committed to creating a brighter future for our communities, and we look forward to working together to make some of their projects a reality.”

Started at Brunswick Electric in 1994, the Bright Ideas education grants program quickly became a shared initiative of all 26 electric co-ops in North Carolina. Collectively, BEMC and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have issued more than $14.3 million supporting 13,536 projects benefiting well over 2.8 million students statewide.

BEMC’s Bright Ideas education grants early bird deadline is August 15