News & Press
It’s that time of year again! We hate to see summer vacation come to an end. But as always, we are excited to see what is in store for the 2023-2024 school year.
Through the Bright Ideas program, Tri-County EMC annually awards grants to teachers for improving education in local classrooms through innovative projects. Since 2008, the Bright Ideas program has funded grants totaling $360,000 to support projects in schools throughout Tri-County’s service area.
Funds come from unclaimed capital credits, that if not used, would have been surrendered to the state. “Tri-County EMC believes that community growth begins with a strong foundation of youth education,” says Anna Smith, Communications Specialist at Tri-County EMC. “The Bright Ideas program was established to support teacher projects and initiatives that may not otherwise be funded."
Georgia certified public or private school teachers in grades Pre-K through 12th grade in Baldwin, Jones, Putnam, Jasper, Twiggs, and Wilkinson counties qualify. Individual projects can be funded up to $1,500. Teachers are limited to one grant proposal per round of funding. Judged by a panel of retired educators, grants are awarded based on innovation, goals, learning objectives, student involvement, and budget. Funds must be used within 18 months of the issue date.
Click here to view list of 2022 recipients or to download an application. Applications must be completed and submitted by October 15, 2023.