Wood County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WCEC) has developed a new scholarship program to serve members who are adult learners. The program, Power Upward, comprises three $2,000 Scholarships.
It is for members that are pursuing additional education, including obtaining a bachelors, masters, doctorate or graduate degree in any field, or those seeking certification as an administrator in education, nursing or others. It can also be used to obtain training and certification in a trade such as welding, electrical, automotive, and other trades at accredited institutions.
About the program, WCEC CEO/General Manager Debbie Robinson said, “Although college and trade school enrollment numbers are increasing for adult learners, there are not as many scholarship opportunities for them. We know it takes an enormous commitment from these non-traditional students who often have full-time jobs and families. We wanted to be able to support these efforts and we could think of no better way than to help financially through this scholarship competition.”
Applications are available at WCEC.org, under the Community Programs tab. Qualified applicants must be an active member or member-spouse aged 21 or over who resides on the system. Adult children of members do not qualify. Qualifiers cannot have won a previous scholarship from WCEC. They must have been accepted into college, trade school, or other post-secondary program, and must be registered for a minimum of 9 hours.
To apply, submit a complete official application with two letters of reference and a 500 word essay describing:
- The reasons for continuing your education.
- Why you have chosen the field of study.
- How it will help you with your future goals.
The in-office application deadline is November 19, 2014. Late or incomplete applications will be disqualified. Scholarships will be judged by and independent panel and awarded by end of the year.
All of the scholarships at WCEC are funded entirely by unclaimed capital credit payments returned to WCEC by the state of Texas.
Wood County Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a not-for-profit electric cooperative with the mission of providing member-customers reliable electric service at a reasonable rate. WCEC serves over 34,000 meters in parts of nine counties throughout northeast Texas, including Camp, Franklin, Hopkins, Rains, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood.