Educational Opportunities

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.

Young man studying in the library

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.

Youth Trips

Read on to learn more about these exciting annual educational opportunities.

Washington Youth Tour & R. D. Bennett Scholarship

Attention high school juniors: It’s the Washington Youth Tour, which will be held June 15-20, 2025. If selected, you’ll explore Washington, D.C., with 1,600 high school juniors from across the country—meeting lawmakers and touring all the sights. South Carolina’s electric co-ops will cover your round-trip plane ticket, tours and meals. In other words, It’s all free!

Learn more about the Youth Tour »

To compete for the scholarship, each Washington Youth Tour winner must submit an essay. The 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.

The 2024 Youth Tour application deadline is February 28, 2025.

Youth Summit: State House Trip

High school sophomores: It’s the Cooperative Youth Summit, which will be held July 14-17, 2025. If selected, you’ll experience South Carolina’s capital like never before. Tour the State House, meet lawmakers and see how co-ops are preparing for our state’s energy future. Plus, there’s plenty of fun with visits to escape rooms and more. This trip is also free! Learn more about the Youth Summit »

The 2024 Youth Summit application deadline is February 28, 2025.

One application for two great trips!

Scholarships for High School Seniors

$1,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarship

Four smiling graduates outside holding diplomas

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: Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 at 11:59 pm

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.

Touchstone Energy Scholarship

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.

Apply online for the Touchstone Energy Scholarship here »

$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: Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 at 11:59 pm

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.

Apply online for the Tech Advantage Scholarship here »

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.

The WIRE Opportunity Scholarship is awarded to a woman who may not have been able to attend college when she graduated from high school but now wants to further her education. The $2,500 one-time scholarship will be presented to an electric cooperative member in South Carolina based on the applicant's information.

The deadline to apply was June 1, 2024. The recipient will receive the scholarship for the Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 semester.

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 to qualify: