Public school educators across Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative’s (EMC) service territory started the new year off with a classroom surprise. Bright Ideas grants were hand-delivered to 128 teachers at 43 schools in Carroll, Haralson, Heard and Paulding counties, totaling $100,849.
At the beginning of each school year, applications for grants of up to $1,000 are open to public school teachers teaching grades pre-K through 12. A school is automatically made eligible if an enrolled student is served by the cooperative. All classroom subjects are qualified for funding including but not limited to science, technology, engineering, arts, math and social studies.
“There is no denying the education system has evolved since I was in school,” said Carroll EMC Foundation Trustee, Rick Lovvorn. “It’s exciting to see the many innovative projects the teachers come up with to better engage students.”
To be considered for a Bright Ideas grant, teachers must submit an online application outlining, in detail, their classroom project and the expected budget. Projects should be creative and must create an enriching learning environment for students. All applications are judged blindly by the cooperative’s Foundation Trustees and are automatically disqualified if any reference is made to a specific teacher or school.
Bright Ideas grants are funded through the generous donations of Carroll EMC Members who participate in Operation Round Up®, a program where they elect to “round-up” their electric bills to the nearest dollar. The program is governed by the cooperative’s Foundation Trustees and funds a variety of community service projects including Bright Ideas, Impact Grants, student scholarships, and many health and human services programs.
“It is truly an honor to serve on the Foundation board,” said Lovvorn. “It allows me to see the needs within our community and be a part in helping meet those needs.”
To see a complete list of this year’s Bright Ideas recipients, please visit carrollemc.com/brightideas. Applications for 2024 will be accepted beginning August 16.