Learning proper suturing techniques, understanding the ins and outs of circuits and circuit boards and getting a closer look at the inner workings of human organs are just some of the many opportunities offered to area students through projects funded by CAEC’s Bright Ideas Grant Program in 2023.
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 over $25,000 in grants to 30 projects across 24 different schools, benefiting over 4,000 students within six 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 2024 Bright Ideas Grants will begin this September. Autauga County educators receiving funding from this year’s grants are:
Ally Moscona of Autauga Academy; Gylendora Davis and Kayla Atchison of Billingsley School; Dana O’Brian of Marbury Middle School; Natalie Warren and Steve Weedon of Prattville High School; Jennifer Griffiths of Prattville Kindergarten; and Debbie Langham of Prattville Primary School.
