Education Programs

Bright Ideas Grants

Central Electric is continually seeking ways to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. That's why each year through the Bright Ideas Program, the Co-op awards approximately $15,000 to teachers to help bring creative and innovative projects into their classroom. Co-sponsored by the N.C. Association of Electric Cooperatives, the grants are available to teachers in area schools for projects that traditional school money does not cover. All of North Carolina's 26 electric Cooperatives participate in the program.

Each year, more than 2,000 applications are accepted from teachers in a variety of disciplines including music, art, history, reading, science, career-planning and information technology. Since the Bright Ideas program began in 1994, North Carolina's electric cooperatives have awarded $10.2 million to teachers for 9,800 projects benefiting more than 2 million students. The program offers a convenient and simple online application process. Visit NCBrightIdeas.com to learn more, access the application or apply for a grant.

Give Us An "A"

Through the "Give Us An A” program, Central Electric encourages student excellence in the classroom. Students in area schools are invited to send in a copy of their most recent report card with a grade of at least one “A” during the grading period, along with a parent's name, address, phone number, and a picture of the student. Four times each school year, Central Electric will draw from the entries and award a $25 Visa gift card to four winners with at least one "A" and a $50 Visa gift card to one winner with all "A's." Students may be in any grade from kindergarten to college or technical school.

CEMC Scholarship Program

Another way Central Electric invests in our communities' futures is through our scholarship program. The program was established out of a desire to help students attend college who otherwise might not have the opportunity to continue their education. Each year scholarships are awarded to five students currently attending or planning to attend either Central Carolina Community College or Sandhills Community College. Scholarships are awarded based on scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, a written essay and financial need. Applicants must be Central Electric members or children of members. They must also be full-time students and have a grade point average of at least 2.5 or above.

Click the links below to download the forms for each scholarship: