IRMO – Local classrooms in Lexington-Richland School District Five are getting a boost thanks to the Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative’s (MCEC) annual Bright Ideas Grant program. This year, District Five teachers received a total of $2,320 in funding for innovative classroom projects.
Recipients included Chris Austin of Leaphart Elementary, Martin Cwiakala of The Center for Advanced Technical Studies, and Jill Sullivan of Chapin Middle School.
Teachers were surprised at their schools by the “Bright Ideas Grant Patrol,” who delivered the awards in person.
Leaphart Elementary will use its $1,000 grant to expand the Seed to Fitness program. Austin explained, “This Project-Based Learning opportunity teaches students about healthy food choices and allows them to grow their own vegetables and herbs. The grant will help us purchase soil, seeds, books, and garden tools. We are honored to receive this grant, and I am excited to grow our garden!”
Chapin Middle School received $320 for Sullivan’s math classroom. She said, “This funding will support my Building Thinking Classroom by providing vertical non-permanent surfaces, transforming the way students engage with mathematics. These tools inspire collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving in meaningful ways. A heartfelt thank you to MCEC and the Bright Ideas Committee for empowering my classroom and supporting my students’ mathematical journey.”
This year, MCEC awarded more than $20,000 in grants to teachers across several districts. Bob Paulling, President and CEO of Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative, said, “Supporting educators, students, and classrooms is an integral part of our cooperative’s mission. By investing in education, we are investing in the future of our community.”
SIDEBAR: What is a Bright Ideas Grant?
- Who can apply: Teachers in MCEC service areas who demonstrate innovative classroom ideas.
- Purpose: Fund projects that enhance learning and student engagement beyond standard resources.
- Funding range: Typically $250–$1,000 per project.
- Impact: Grants support hands-on learning, creative programs, STEM activities, arts, and more.
For more information, teachers and schools can visit: Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative Bright Ideas
Featured photo Jill Sullivan of Chapin Middle School.
