(RALEIGH) -- North Carolina's electric cooperatives are giving teachers in the state an opportunity to win grants for innovative classroom projects. The electric co-ops have allocated more than $600,000 to award educators across North Carolina during the 2012-2013 school year.

"Bright Ideas puts new resources in the hands of teachers with creative strategies to engage students," said Lindsey Listrom, community relations specialist at the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives.

To apply, educators must submit an application that includes a description of the project's goals, implementation method, creative elements and budget. Applications will be judged in a competitive evaluation process, and judges will be on the lookout for projects that address students' needs in creative ways.

More information about the program is available online at: ncbrightideas.com.  The application period opens April 1.