VMDAEC Scholarship Foundation

Name: VMDAEC Scholarship Foundation

Award Amount: $1,000 per scholarship

Information and Eligibility:

The Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) Scholarship Foundation offers $1,000 scholarships annually to high school seniors whose primary residence receives power from one of the 16 electric cooperatives served by VMDAEC. The foundation’s mission is to support the academic and career aspirations of students in the communities served by electric cooperatives, helping them pursue higher education or vocational training to become leaders in their communities and industries.

To be eligible for the VMDAEC Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: The applicant’s parent or legal guardian must reside in a household served by one of the 16 VMDAEC member cooperatives. These cooperatives provide electricity to homes and businesses across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. The list of eligible cooperatives is available on the VMDAEC website, which includes cooperatives in both rural and suburban regions of these states.
• Academic Standing: Applicants must be high school seniors or students attending home school programs, graduating in the spring. The scholarship is open to all students in good standing academically.
• Post-Secondary Plans: The scholarship is open to students who plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution, including four-year universities, community colleges, vocational, or technical schools in the fall following graduation. Applicants must intend to enroll as a full-time student in their first semester of post-secondary education or vocational training.

In addition to the above criteria, the scholarship application process evaluates students based on:

• Academic Achievement: Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, with transcripts to be submitted along with the application. Academic excellence is an important factor in the selection process, accounting for 40% of the overall evaluation.
• Financial Need: The foundation aims to support students from families who demonstrate financial need. This is a significant factor, making up 40% of the evaluation criteria. Applicants are required to submit information about their family’s financial circumstances to help determine the level of support required for the student’s educational journey.
• Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement or essay (500-750 words) detailing their educational and career goals, their interest in contributing to their community, and how the scholarship would help them achieve their aspirations. This section makes up 20% of the scholarship evaluation. The personal statement gives the selection committee insight into the applicant’s character, motivation, and potential impact on their community.

The VMDAEC Scholarship Foundation also encourages students to explore other available scholarships and grants. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early, as the deadline is strict and no late submissions will be accepted.

Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, student fees, room and board, and textbooks. The funds are paid directly to the institution the recipient attends to be applied to their account. Recipients are also invited to attend an award ceremony where they can meet the sponsors and other awardees from around the region.

Deadline: April 1 Applications must be submitted by this date to be considered. Late applications will not be accepted.)

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