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Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) wants to help area high school graduates with the costs of higher education. 

The Cooperative’s Southside Opportunity Fund is accepting scholarship applications through March 27. High school and home school graduates who receive electricity at their homes from SEC, are earning their diploma or GED by this fall and will be entering their first semester of college or trade/technical school this fall, are eligible to apply for the $1,000 scholarships. 

“Assisting talented young people with paying for higher education is one way the Cooperative supports its members and the communities we serve,” said Sheena Lankford, vice president of member engagement and communications. “We know education is an important key to future success, and being able to award scholarships is a priority and a pleasure for SEC.” 

Since the scholarship program started in 2016, 171 grants totaling $199,000 have been awarded. 

Additional dollars have been provided for students attending the Power Line Worker Training School in Blackstone. The scholarship board uses a combination of weighted criteria in selecting recipients: 45% financial need, 45% academic achievement and 10% personal statement. Scholarships are paid to the students’ schools for tuition, fees, lodging or textbooks. Proof of admission is required if selected for a scholarship. 

More information, an application and list of documents that must be submitted can be found at www.sec.coop/southside-opportunity-fund. 

Founded by local communities in 1937, Southside Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric distribution company with more than 58,400 active services across 18 counties in central and southern Virginia. Headquartered in Crewe, SEC has district offices in Altavista, Crewe, Dinwiddie and Powhatan. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer