Central Electric is committed to strengthening the communities we serve.
Through the Bright Ideas education grant program, the co-op awards approximately $15,000 each year to local teachers to support creative, innovative classroom projects not typically funded by school budgets.
Co‑sponsored by the N.C. Association of Electric Cooperatives, Bright Ideas is available to educators across North Carolina, with all 26 electric cooperatives participating. Since the program began in 1994, more than $17 million has been awarded to fund 16,000 projects, benefiting over 4 million students statewide.
Apply:
Grant applications will be accepted through Sept. 15, but teachers who submit their applications by the early bird deadline of Aug. 15 will be entered into a drawing for one of five $100 Visa gift cards. For more information, you can contact Ryley Osentoski at 919-708-1639 or by email at osentoskir@cemcpower.com.
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 $17 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"
