Twenty five $1,000 college scholarships for youths in the Central Texas Electric Cooperative service area will be awarded in 2021, bringing the combined amount of financial help awarded to area students over the program’s 23-year history to $639,000!  “This is a great opportunity for the co-op to continue doing something to help our membership at really no cost,” says CEO Robert A. Loth III. “Using the state’s escheated money also assures that at least some of that money comes back into the area and is used for the benefit of our members.” H.B. 3203, a state law passed in September 1997, allows nonprofit electric cooperatives to put unclaimed capital credit funds—previously collected by the Texas comptroller’s office for the state’s general fund—to use for student scholarships.

Guidelines for 2021 Program

A scholarship selection committee, appointed by the board of directors of Central Texas Electric Cooperative, will choose candidates and alternates for the 25 scholarships to be awarded. Scholarships will be awarded based upon the applicant’s eligibility and will be granted to students who attend a recognized Texas institution of higher education. Recipients must carry a minimum of 12 hours or be considered by the registrar to be a full-time student. All scholarships will be mailed directly to the financial aid office of the selected school for the fall 2021 semester.

Eligibility

CTEC will accept and consider scholarship applications from all active members and their immediate families (not just high school students) whose primary residence is served by CTEC. Applicants must be of good character as evidenced by at least two letters of recommendation from teachers, principals, counselors, etc., from the school they currently attend. For applicants returning to school after an extended absence, recommendation letters will be accepted from previous employers, supervisors, ministers, etc. Applicants must demonstrate a coherent degree plan and willingness to pursue a course of higher learning.

How to Apply

For high school seniors, CTEC mails applications and guidelines in early January to many area schools where CTEC has meters. For members already out of high school, applications are available at all CTEC offices and can also be downloaded from the co-op’s website at ctec.coop. Questions can be directed to Patricia Stehling in Fredericksburg at 1-800-900-CTEC (2832) or (830) 997-2126. Successful applicants will be announced in late April.

Deadline

Completed applications must be in the Fredericksburg CTEC office by 5 p.m., Friday,

February 26, 2021.