Clanton Elementary School’s pre-K program received a $10,000 grant Friday from Alabama Power.

The grant was one of 21 awarded across the state as part of the Alabama Power Foundation’s Brighter Minds education initiative.

“Early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning and success,” said Myla Calhoun, Alabama Power vice president of charitable giving. “Children who have access to high quality pre-K programs are better prepared for elementary school, high school and, ultimately, the workforce. This is an investment in our state’s future that we can’t afford to overlook.”

CES Principal Rebecca Threlkeld said the funds would be used to benefit the program’s five classrooms, which serve 18 students each.

“We’re appreciative of the support,” Threlkeld said.

Threlkeld said the registration period for the CES pre-K program ended Friday, and about 125 applications were received for the about 94 available spots.

The state’s nationally recognized First Class Pre-K Program is administered by the Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs, which funds classrooms across the state through a competitive grant process.

First Class Pre-K is in all 67 Alabama counties.

According to the Department of Children’s Affairs, a key component for quality pre-K is having well-furnished classrooms. The Alabama Power Foundation grants will help furnish these classrooms with high-quality learning materials and equipment.

Early childhood education is one of the three focus areas for the Alabama Power Foundation’s Brighter Minds education initiative, along with strengthening STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and workforce development, and providing conservation education.

To find out more about Brighter Minds and other initiatives of the Alabama Power Foundation, visit www.powerofgood.com.

Since its creation in 1989 with funds donated by shareholders, the Alabama Power Foundation has supported Alabama communities, educational institutions and nonprofits with non-ratepayer dollars through more than 20,000 grant and scholarship awards.