Taking a deep dive into the tissues of the human body, bringing the wide world of literature to Slapout, Alabama, and providing flexible seating options are just some of the many opportunities offered to area students through projects funded by CAEC’s Bright Ideas Grant Program in 2022.

The Bright Ideas Grant Program was introduced more than 20 years ago with a goal of supporting innovative, interesting and effective initiatives that school funding does not usually cover. Grants help enhance teachers’ efforts and are awarded to individuals or teams in public, private and home schools within CAEC’s service area.

Applications were reviewed by a panel of judges from local community associations. They awarded $24,000 in grants to 26 projects across 15 different schools, benefiting over 4,600 students within several counties in CAEC’s service area.
“I cannot express how truly thankful we are to have such dedicated individuals instructing and influencing the future leaders and workforce of our communities,” said CAEC President and CEO Tom Stackhouse. “We are honored to provide assistance to our educators who work persistently to impact all students by providing them the tools they need to be successful as well as instilling in them the desire for a lifetime of learning. You all are heroes and we are incredibly thankful to be able to award these funds to you.”

To date, CAEC has awarded $376,000 to local schools through the program, benefiting more than 130,000 students across all grade levels and content areas. The application process for 2022/23 Bright Ideas Grants will begin this September.

2021-2022 Grant Recipients are:

Autauga County: Dawn Wendland and Sheila Williamson of Autauga Academy; Abby Loudermilk, Logan Strock and Tammy Tindol of Billingsley School; Carolyn Carpenter of Marbury High School; Chelsea McCullers of Pine Level Elementary School; Stephanie Rowell of Pine Level Elementary School; Samantha Cosgrove and Natalie Warren of Prattville High School; and Debbie Langham of Prattville Primary School.

Chilton County: Angela Tignor of Chilton County High School; Aimee Dobbs and Haley Lively of Clanton Intermediate School; Lacee Wallace of Maplesville High School; and Nicole Bolton of Thorsby High School.

Coosa County: Amanda Fincher of The Way, The Truth, and The Life Christian School; and Wanda Young of Central High School.

Elmore County: Natalie McLemore and Jennifer Mulder of Holtville Elementary School; Stephanie Harrison and Lana Pratt of Holtville High School; and Taryn Brodie, Heather Davies and Melinda Tyler of Wetumpka Elementary School.   

Talladega County: Mary Ella Pearson of Childersburg High School.