Amicalola EMC's Bright Ideas grant program is a competition designed to reward teachers that take the time to plan, research and put into action a creative learning experience for students.

The 2011-12 school year is the second year for the Bright Ideas program locally, and teachers will see an expanded program that features a budget of more than $60,000 to be distributed among 39 schools, including elementary, middle, high schools and private schools in the Amicalola EMC service area.

Funding for the program comes from unclaimed capital credit refunds, released once a mandatory five-year waiting period has been exhausted.

Teachers may apply for education grants beginning in August.

Grants will be funded up to a maximum of $1,000 each. The deadline to apply is Sept. 15.

Teachers who submit their application by the early-bird deadline of Aug. 31 will be entered in a drawing for one of several $50 American Express gift cards.

Bright Ideas grants finance creative classroom projects that would otherwise not receive funding. Program details and applications are available at www.amicalolaemc.com.

The Bright Ideas education grant program is part of Amicalola EMC's ongoing commitment to its communities.

Amicalola EMC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that serves more than 45,000 locations in 10 north Georgia counties.