The amazing teachers in our community deserve the best, which is why we’re so passionate about Bright Ideas education grants. Since the program began in 1994, our cooperative has given more than $550,000 to local teachers, principals and school counselors to help support them in their efforts as they teach the youth of our community.
Each year, local educators can apply for grants of up to $2,000 for innovative classroom projects that help their students learn in new ways. Our 2020 winners were especially creative, in some cases coming up with virtual projects to keep students engaged during periods of distance learning.
Ashley Knott, a teacher at North End Elementary in Roxboro, received funding for her project, Drums Alive! Through this program, the students exercised during PE class through drumming activities. This allowed them to be active; improve coordination; increase attention and concentration; and promote social emotional learning all while staying socially distant.
If you’d like to apply for a 2021 Bright Ideas grant, there’s still time! Submit your Bright Ideas grant before the early bird deadline on Aug. 16 to be entered to win one of five $100 gift cards in a statewide drawing. The final deadline is Sept. 6. Visit pemc.coop/brightideas to submit an application.
Not an educator? You can help support community initiatives like Bright Ideas by rounding up your bill to the nearest dollar amount and donating it to the Helping Hand Foundation. Your pennies can help support the educators and students in our community! Visit pemc.coop/donate to set up a one-time or recurring donation today.
