As your Touchstone Energy Cooperative, York Electric firmly believes our educational efforts can have a far-reaching effect not only for the individuals we help but for the community-at-large. We believe educational outreach is one of the most important things we can offer.
Every year, YEC awards 12 $1,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarships to graduating seniors at each area high school. YEC also awards one $1,000 Technical Advantage Scholarship to a graduating senior attending York Technical College in the fall, and one $500 Work-Based Learning Scholarship to a senior participant at the Floyd D. Johnson Technology Center.
Additionally, we sponsor high school students to attend the informative Washington Youth Tour and the Cooperative Youth Summit in Columbia to help students reach their educational goals.
Scholarships for High School Seniors
$1,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarship
- 12 Scholarships
- Must be a member of YEC
- Must be a high school senior to apply
- Write an essay on how businesses can better connect with younger generations
- Application deadline: Friday, March 19, 2021
York Electric Cooperative will give a $1,000 Touchstone Energy® Scholarship* to a high school senior at each of these schools:
- Catawba Ridge, Fort Mill
- Clover High School, Clover
- Fort Mill High School, Fort Mill
- Indian Land High School, Indian Land
- Nation Ford High School, Fort Mill
- Northwestern High School, Rock Hill
- Rock Hill High School, Rock Hill
- South Pointe High School, Rock Hill
- Westminster Catawba Christian School, Rock Hill
- York Comprehensive High School, York
- York Preparatory Academy, Rock Hill
- Homeschooled student or student attending a small private school in the York Electric service area
*The $1,000 check will be made payable to the college the recipient will be attending.
Just Write an Essay!
York Electric’s ties to the community run deep which is why we are always looking for new ways to improve the quality of life in our area. This includes new, innovative ways to connect with our members. Show us your creativity and innovation by writing an essay describing how businesses can better connect to our younger members. Whether is it through an online platform or by giving back, we want to hear what you think.
You MUST BE served by York Electric Cooperative to be eligible to apply. The student must have average or above-average grades and submit an essay.
$1,000 The Technical Advantage Scholarship
If you are a graduating senior interested in pursuing a certificate or degree from York Technical College, this scholarship is for you!
- One $1000 Technical Advantage Scholarship
- Must be a high school senior to apply
- Must attend a technical college to study a trade
- Write an essay on Ready SC: The Importance of a Ready Workforce
- Application deadline: Friday, March 19, 2021
Four-year universities aren’t for everyone and here at YEC, we want to highlight the vast opportunities for success right in your backyard. Students who are interested in learning a trade and who will be attending York Technical College are eligible to apply for our Technical Advantage $1000 Scholarship. Just write an essay on the Ready SC initiative (external website), describing the importance of a ready workforce.
One student attending York Technical College studying a trade will receive the $1,000 Technical Advantage Scholarship.
Other Opportunities
Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship for Women Returning to College
The Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship for Women Returning to College is awarded by South Carolina WIRE to two female electric cooperative members. Applicants for the $2,500 scholarships must have graduated from high school or earned GEDs (at least ten years ago), be accepted by an accredited South Carolina college or university, and demonstrate financial need.
Applicants must:
- be a member of a South Carolina electric co-op
- have graduated from high school or earned her GED at least 10 years ago
- be accepted into an accredited S.C. college or university, and
- demonstrate financial needs and personal goals.
Mail or fax the application to WIRE Scholarship Committee, Attention: Bobbie Cook, Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc., P.O. Box 417, Aiken, SC 29802, Fax (803)-641-8310.
York Electric Cooperative’s School-to-Work Scholarship
York Electric awards an outstanding senior who has participated in the Floyd D. Johnson Technology Center’s School-to-Work program a $500 scholarship. The student must meet the following criteria in order to qualify:
- Attending a two or four-year college
- 3.0 minimum overall GPA
- 100 average in the school-to-work program
- No discipline record (including tardiness)
- Meet district attendance policy
- Submit a one-page, typed essay on why you should be considered.
Youth Trips
A trip of a lifetime for 3 High School Juniors
Washington Youth Tour & R. D. Bennett Scholarship
Each year, winners of the Washington Youth Tour contest are qualified to compete for the Robert D. Bennett Scholarship through The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina (ECSC). A one-time check in the amount of $5,000 will be issued to the student and the college, university, trade or tech school of the winning student’s choice after the registrar’s office completes the proper paperwork. The scholarship money may be requested up to three years after the winner is named.
For more info, visit www.youthtour.coop
To compete for the scholarship, each Washington Youth Tour winner must submit an essay. Competition is based on essays and participation during the trip. Trip chaperones will judge the essays. S.A.T. scores, grade point average, class standing, and other honors will not be considered.
Application deadlines for 2020 have passed.
Youth Summit: State House trip
Experience South Carolina’s capital like never before. Tour the Statehouse, meet lawmakers, and see how co-ops are preparing for our state’s energy future. Plus, there’s plenty of fun with visits to popular Columbia attractions like Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. York Electric will cover all your expenses.
Application deadlines for 2020 have passed.