REMC opens applications for area teachers seeking Bright Ideas grants

ASHEBORO — Local educators can apply for a Bright Ideas grant from Randolph EMC now through Sept, 15, 2026. 

The grants, offered annually to teachers to bring creative classroom learning projects to life, support innovative projects that energize and enhance student success.

Educators can learn more and apply online at www.ncbrightideas.com. Applicants can learn more about 2025 winners on the REMC website.

“This is the 32nd year Randolph Electric has supported students in our communities through the innovative Bright Ideas grant program,” REMC Public Relations Manager Christian Morgan said. 

“We’re committed to investing in a brighter future for students throughout our communities and region, and we encourage all educators with bold, creative ideas to submit an application.” 

Randolph EMC expects to award $14,000 in Bright Ideas grants this year to K-12 teachers across its service area in Randolph, Moore, Montgomery, Chatham and Alamance counties. Grants of up to $2,000 are available in all subject areas. Teachers can apply individually or as a team.

Grants are available in all curriculum areas including art, science, history and mathematics. 

In 2025, Randolph EMC awarded 15 grants to local teachers. 

To date, Randolph EMC has invested more than $350,000 for innovative projects that have benefited students in our five-county area.

Applications will be accepted now through Sept. 15, but teachers who submit their application by the early bird deadline of Aug. 15 will be entered to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards.

To apply, teachers must include a budget and explain the implementation, goals, creative elements and evaluation of the project. They must also have approval from their school’s principal. 

Applications will be judged through a competitive evaluation process that awards inventive approaches to learning.

Grant-writing tips can be found at www.ncbrightideas.com.

Supported by all 26 electric cooperatives in North Carolina, Bright Ideas grants have contributed $16 million to North Carolina classrooms, funding more than 16,000 projects that have benefited more than 4 million students statewide since 1994.

For more information or questions, contact Christian Morgan at 336-625-8151 or Christian.Morgan@RandolphEMC.com.