This October, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative awarded a record number of Bright Ideas grants, supporting 27 classrooms in 19 schools across its service territory. The grants bring creative projects to life and support educators in providing students with opportunities to learn beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Since the Bright Ideas Grant Program began, Mid-Carolina Electric has awarded more than 200 grants to local educators across its service area. The grants fund innovative projects in science, technology, literacy, the arts and more, helping teachers introduce creative approaches to learning and giving students new ways to engage.

“We want to make a difference in the communities we serve,” said Bob Paulling, president and CEO of Mid-Carolina Electric. “Supporting education and our educators is one of the best investments we can make. Bright Ideas gives us the opportunity to support local educators and assist them in providing students with creative learning opportunities.”

Congratulations to these passionate educators whose ideas will come to life through the Bright Ideas Grant: Molly Currin, Airport High School; Wendy Price, Ballentine Elementary School; Stephanie Shealy, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School; Leslie Campbell, Batesburg-Leesville High School; Whitney Jordan, Beechwood Middle School; Casey Monette, Beechwood Middle School; Paulette Norris, Beechwood Middle School; Haley Williamson, Brookland-Cayce High School; Amanda Mills, Cayce Elementary School; Kylie Cathcart, Center for Advanced Technical Studies; Sherry Clapp, Center for Advanced Technical Studies; Ashley Gross, H. E. Corley Elementary Leadership Magnet; Kayla Williams, Harbison West Elementary School; Kimberly Shealy, Hollywood Elementary School; Ashley Evans, Irmo High School; Catina Thomas, Irmo High School; Kim Taylor, Lexington Technology Center; Kelli Rooks, Midway Elementary School; Kelly Parker, Midway Elementary School; Jessica Kelly, Northside Middle School; Jennifer Gibbons, River Bluff High School; Meredith Miller-Rikard, Saluda Elementary School; Kayla Hite, Saluda Elementary School; Tiffany Cashatt, Saluda Middle School; Chelsea Thomas, Saluda Middle School; Ali Stigall, Saluda Middle School and Paul Duggan, Seven Oaks Elementary School

Bright Ideas grants are available to kindergarten through 12th-grade educators in Lexington County school districts One, Two, Three and Five, as well as Saluda County School District. Teachers may apply for funding for innovative classroom projects that engage students, encourage creativity and support educational success.

Each fall, Mid-Carolina Electric celebrates grant recipients by visiting schools throughout its service territory to personally deliver awards, often surprising teachers in front of their students and colleagues. This annual tradition highlights the cooperative’s commitment to education and recognizes educators’ dedication to making learning creative and impactful.

Educators interested in applying for a 2027 Bright Ideas grant or learning more about the program should watch for future announcements on Mid-Carolina Electric’s website at www.mcecoop.com.

About Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative

Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility serving rural communities across Lexington, Richland, Saluda, Aiken and Newberry counties. The cooperative provides reliable, cost-effective electric service and innovative solutions to approximately 62,000 meters across a 4,500-mile distribution system. As a member-owned cooperative, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative is deeply committed to the communities it serves. Its mission is to deliver dependable energy, innovative solutions and exceptional service while enhancing the quality of life for its members and strengthening the communities it calls home.

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BI Photo 1: Pictured are 2026 Mid-Carolina Electric Bright Ideas grant recipients. The annual grants fund innovative projects in science, technology, literacy, the arts and more, helping teachers introduce creative approaches to learning and giving students new ways to engage.