Blue Ridge Energy supports education of our youth and our schools through a variety of scholarships, grants and learning opportunities.

Each September, Blue Ridge Energy seeks applications from area educators and principals serving grades K-12 in public schools. Bright Ideas grants provide educators with funding of up to $2,000 per grant for innovative classroom projects that benefit students and would not otherwise be covered by the school budget.

Bright Ideas has financed a variety of hands-on projects, including activities in music, art, history, language, reading, science, math, and information technology. Proposals can come from any area of the curriculum. Projects must directly benefit students, provide ongoing benefits, and use innovative teaching methods.

Blue Ridge Energy is celebrating it's 26th year of offering Bright Ideas grants as part of our support and commitment to education. To date, Blue Ridge Energy has awarded more than $544,000 and provided direct funding assistance that has impacted over 100,000 students.

Full details of the Bright Ideas program can be found at ncbrightideas.com. All applications must be submitted online at the website above.

For more information, please contact Grey Scheer, director of community relations, or visit ncbrightideas.com. Here you will be able to see sample applications, apply online and get the answer to most any question you may have about your "bright idea.” (Note: online applications will be accepted April 1 through October 11.)

For the 2020 school year, Blue Ridge Energy received 37 Bright Ideas grant applications from schools in its service area of Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Avery and Wilkes counties. Funds totaling $25,139 to 28 classrooms and teachers to benefit thousands of area students, teachers, schools, and communities.

Blue Ridge Energy is part of several North Carolina electric cooperatives providing Bright Ideas grants. Together, we have provided over $12.2 million for North Carolina teachers and students.