Electric cooperatives in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware are preparing to accept applications for their popular scholarship from high school seniors who intend to pursue higher education studies.
The scholarships are awarded by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) Education Scholarship Foundation, which since 2001 has provided almost 800 scholarships to graduating high school students totaling more than $740,000.
The open date for applications is February 1, while the application deadline is April 1, 2022. Award recipients will be notified no later than June 1, 2022.
Any high school or home-schooled senior graduating in spring 2022, and whose primary residence is served by a VMD member cooperative, is eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship to be applied to a two- or four-year college or trade school.
An applicant must be entering his or her first semester at a post-secondary or technical/trade school in the fall of 2022. Scholarship funds, which will be sent directly to the educational institution, must be used toward tuition, student fees, room and board, or textbooks.
To be considered complete, SAT and/or ACT score reports must come from the College Board. A score report must be uploaded by the student in the online application system. Scores listed on transcripts do not qualify. If a student has taken the SAT more than once, he or she can take the best score from each test (“Super Score”), but both tests must be submitted in the package to qualify.
If a student’s ability to take a test has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, special arrangements may be made.
The Foundation’s board of directors will select recipients based on these weighted criteria: financial need at 40 percent, academic achievement at 40 percent and personal statement at 20 percent.
Questions about donations and the application process should be directed to scholarship@vmdaec.com.
Scholarship Basics
Each year, the Education Scholarship Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships. A combination of weighted criteria is used in the selection process: 40% financial need; 40% academic achievement; and 20% personal statement. Funds can be applied towards tuition, student fees, room and board, or textbooks.
Eligibility Requirements
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Primary residence of applicant’s parent or legal guardian must receive its power from one of the 15 electric cooperatives served by Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives.
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Applicants applying for a 2021 scholarship must be a senior graduating from either high school or home school in 2021.
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Applicant must be entering his or her first semester at a post-secondary school in the fall of 2021.