Click here for the 2026 Bright Ideas Application!

The Bright Ideas Grant Program supports innovative and effective classroom education curriculum that cannot be covered by traditional school financing. Individual teachers can apply for grants from $250 to $750, while teams of teachers are eligible for grants up to $1,500.

Since its inception in 1998, more than $352,000 in grants have been awarded, impacting over 124,000 students throughout our service territory.

Teachers in public and private schools, K-12 and home school associations in CAEC’s service area are eligible to participate. Grants are awarded for projects in any discipline and are intended to help teachers within CAEC’s service area produce a better-educated workforce. The grants are designed to help teachers introduce innovative teaching methods.

Grants applications are available each September and are awarded in January after a competitive evaluation process.

For more information, call (334) 351-2125 or e-mail communications@coop.caec.com.

The 2025 recipients are:

Autauga County: Gylendora Davis: Billingsley High School, Logan Strock: Billingsley High School, Tiffany Gates, Billingsley High School; DaMarcus Kendrick, Autauga County Tech Center; Audrey Casey, Eclectic Elementary School; Dana O’Brian, Marbury Middle School; Andrea Hammock, Prattville High School; Melissa Bishop, Billingsley High School; Teresa Calhoun, Autauga County Tech Center; Danielle Allen, Pine Leel Elementary School; Kayla Herrington, Prattville Christian School.

Chilton County: Cindy Hurst, Isabella High School; Bridgett Sullivan, Chilton Christian Academy; Kacy Grey, Clanton Middle School; JoAnna Jones, Isabella High School; Aimee Dobbs, Clanton Intermediate School; Macey Gentry, Jemison Elementary School.

Coosa County: Jacques Mitchell, Central High School; Alicia Thompson, Central High School; Mary White, Central High School.

Elmore County: Will Boartfield, Stanhope Elmore High School; Jessica Quinn, Eclectic Elementary School; Sandy Barfoot, Stanhope Elmore High School; Taylor Sculley, Millbrook Middle School; Shannon Hughes, Wetumpka Elementary School; Kay McCollough, Eclectic Elementary School.