Lexington, SC, October 19, 2025
News Summary
Five educators from Lexington School District Two have received Bright Ideas grants from Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative for their innovative teaching projects. These grants aim to enhance learning in STEAM subjects, with projects including environmental labs, podcasting, and hands-on experiences. The cooperative awarded over $19,000 in total, supporting creative classroom initiatives that foster student engagement and practical skills.
Lexington, SC
Five educators from Lexington School District Two have been awarded Bright Ideas grants by Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative for their innovative teaching projects. The grants, aimed at fostering creativity in the classroom, will support initiatives that enhance learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
Amanda Altman from Airport High School received a grant of $1,000 for her project, “Data At Their Fingertips: Modern Tools for Future Scientists.” This project will fund the purchase of wireless chemistry starter bundle probes that will be used in her Chemistry I and AP Chemistry classes. The goal is to enhance chemistry labs with technology that enables real-time data collection and visualization, providing students with hands-on experience in scientific measurements.
Another recipient, Kimberly Hardin from Brookland-Cayce High School, was also awarded $1,000 for her initiative named “From Ecosystem to Inquiry: An Aquatic Learning Lab for STEM and Environmental Literacy.” This project involves the creation of a classroom aquarium where AP students will have the opportunity to investigate ecosystems, analyze water quality, and study nutrient cycles.
Ryann Gaffney of Busbee Creative Arts Academy received $800 for her project titled “Pouring Possibilities: A Coffee and Soda Experience.” This initiative aims to provide students with disabilities hands-on work experience in a café-style setting, enhancing their job skills and confidence.
Brooke Jones from Riverbank Elementary School was awarded $999.70 for her project, “Roller Coaster Engineering.” This innovative initiative will supply roller coaster kits that will allow students to design and build projects based on physics concepts, thereby applying theoretical knowledge in a practical setup and engaging them in STEAM learning.
Lastly, Olivia Loynes from Northside Middle School received $800 for her project “Hear Us Out: Amplifying Middle School Voices Through Podcasting.” This project aims to establish a podcast studio that will enable students to create their own podcasts, thereby improving their literacy skills and providing a platform to share their stories and viewpoints.
This year, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative awarded a total of over $19,000 in grants to local educators for various innovative educational projects. The awarded educators will be honored at a luncheon hosted by the cooperative later this month, celebrating their contributions toward enhancing educational opportunities within the community.
Background on Bright Ideas Grants
The Bright Ideas grants program, initiated by Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative, is designed to support teachers in implementing creative classroom projects. By providing funding for unique educational initiatives, the cooperative aims to foster innovation and enhance the quality of education in local schools. Teachers are encouraged to submit ideas that promote student engagement and learning, with each project evaluated based on its potential impact and creativity.
FAQ Section
What are Bright Ideas grants?
Bright Ideas grants are funds provided by Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative to support teachers in creating innovative classroom projects.
How much funding is available through the Bright Ideas grants?
This year, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative awarded over $19,000 in total for various educational projects.
Who received the grants this year?
Five educators from Lexington School District Two received grants for their innovative projects, focusing on areas such as chemistry, environmental science, and literacy.
What types of projects are funded by the grants?
The projects funded include technology for real-time data collection in science, classroom aquariums for environmental studies, hands-on work experiences for students with disabilities, and podcast creation to enhance literacy skills.
When will the awarded educators be recognized?
The awarded educators will be honored at a luncheon hosted by Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative later this month.
Key Features of the Bright Ideas Grants
| Educator | School | Project Title | Grant Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amanda Altman | Airport High School | Data At Their Fingertips: Modern Tools for Future Scientists | $1,000 |
| Kimberly Hardin | Brookland-Cayce High School | From Ecosystem to Inquiry: An Aquatic Learning Lab for STEM and Environmental Literacy | $1,000 |
| Ryann Gaffney | Busbee Creative Arts Academy | Pouring Possibilities: A Coffee and Soda Experience | $800 |
| Brooke Jones | Riverbank Elementary School | Roller Coaster Engineering | $999.70 |
| Olivia Loynes | Northside Middle School | Hear Us Out: Amplifying Middle School Voices Through Podcasting | $800 |
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Additional Resources
- SW Lex Ledger: Five Lexington Two Educators Awarded Grants
- Wikipedia: Grants and Awards
- The Dispatch: Commissioners Back Grant Applications
- Google Search: Grants in Education
- The State: Local Education News
- Google Scholar: Educational Grants
- Kentucky.com: Local Education Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Educational Funding
- Post and Courier: Lexington-Richland School District
- Google News: Lexington Education
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