Bright Ideas: Funding the Future of Education

For the 2026-27 school year, JOEMC is again partnering with outstanding educators to bring their creative lesson plans to life! Applications are now open for Bright Ideas education grants of up to $1,500, helping fund projects that enhance student success in the classroom. Teachers can apply and learn more at www.ncbrightideas.com.

The 2025-26 school year marks another milestone year for North Carolina’s electric cooperatives and the educators they support. This year, JOEMC awarded $75,000 to fund 93 projects for 300 educators, impacting over 126,266 students across Jones, Onslow, and Pender counties.

Since the program began, JOEMC has now issued more than $1,750,000 for over 2,500 projects that have benefited well over 747,000 students in our local communities. Grants are available in all curriculum areas, including art, science, history, music, and mathematics.

Bright Ideas grant applications will be accepted through September 15, with an early bird deadline of August 15. Teachers are encouraged to apply early.

Supported by all 26 electric cooperatives in North Carolina, Bright Ideas grants have contributed nearly $17 million to N.C. classrooms, funding more than 16,000 projects and benefiting close to four million students statewide since 1994.