​Applications for inaugural program due by Oct. 31, 2017

BALTIMORE (Sept. 15, 2017) –Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE)  is now accepting applications for the 2017 inaugural Bright Ideas Teachers' Grants program. All kindergarten through 12^th-grade in-classroom teachers within the BGE service area that focus on innovation, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) the environment or energy efficiency are eligible to apply at www.bge.com/giving. Applications must be received by Oct. 31, 2017.

Eligible teachers can receive a grant of up to $500 for in-classroom use to fund qualifying projects. 20 grant winners throughout BGE's service area will be announced in November.

"At BGE, we recognize that the future of our company and even as a society greatly depends on the educated youth of tomorrow," said Valencia McClure, vice president of governmental and external affairs and corporate relations for BGE. "This new grant program helps teachers introduce vital lesson plans and innovative tools into the classroom to help our future generation realize their full potential."

BGE provides $1 million annually for education programs across its central Maryland service area through its charitable contributions programs. The company has also provided nearly $300,000 to winners of BGE's energy safety programs for children: The Wires Down Video Challenge for electric safety and Captain Mercaptan Natural Gas Safety Contest.

BGE supports many education-related programs to include:

• Captain Mercaptan Natural Gas Safety Contest – winners receive up to $10,000
• Wires Down Video Challenge electric safety contest– winners receive up to $10,000
• BGE Scholars Program – scholarships for college students in BGE's service area
• Construction of therapeutic playground at the Kennedy Krieger School's Fairmount Campus – $250,000 BGE grant
• National Association of Women in Construction – students received hands-on exposure to gas and electric construction work at BGE's training center
• Gas and electric safety curriculum
• Grants to non-profit organizations

Since its founding in 1816, BGE has partnered with Maryland communities to enhance our neighborhoods. Through the use of shareholder dollars, BGE supports programs that deliver measurable and sustainable impact in the areas of energy efficiency, the environment, education, economic and community development, and emergency response and safety.

More information on the Bright Ideas Teachers' Grants program is available.