Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) proudly celebrated a record-breaking year for its Bright Ideas education grant program, awarding $62,000 to 57 local teachers during its annual Bright Ideas Awards Luncheon on Nov. 6 at BEMC headquarters in Supply.
The grants will fund innovative classroom projects designed to enhance student learning in Brunswick and Columbus counties. This marks the largest total amount ever distributed through BEMC’s Bright Ideas program, underscoring the cooperative’s continued commitment to supporting education and inspiring creativity in local schools.
“Our teachers are doing incredible work to engage and inspire students every day,” said Josh Winslow, CEO. “We’re honored to help bring their Bright Ideas to life and proud to invest in the future of our communities through education.”
This year’s milestone coincides with the 31st anniversary of the Bright Ideas program. Since its inception in 1994, BEMC has awarded more than $800,000 in grants to local educators. The program began as a local initiative and has since expanded statewide, with North Carolina’s electric cooperatives collectively funding thousands of creative classroom projects that have reached countless students across the state.
This year’s celebration also marked the introduction of the Fred Mason Legacy Award, a new recognition honoring the life and influence of Fred Mason, a local teacher who touched countless lives before his passing last year. In his memory, BEMC awarded a $2,000 grant to Columbus Career and College Academy to help continue his lifelong mission of sparking curiosity and creativity in the classroom.
“Fred Mason’s enthusiasm for education was contagious,” said Dan Strickland, BEMC Board of Directors. “Through this award, we hope to carry forward the same spirit of innovation and care that he shared with every student.”
Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation established the Bright Ideas education grant program in 1994 to support local K–12 educators with creative projects that otherwise would not receive funding. Teachers can apply for grants of up to $2,000 to enhance classroom instruction and student engagement.
About Brunswick Electric
Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 100,000 members in Brunswick, Columbus, Bladen, and Robeson counties. BEMC is committed to empowering its communities through reliable energy, innovation, and local investment.
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