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.
Every year, YEC awards five $3,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarships to graduating seniors at area high schools. Applicants must be members of YEC. YEC also awards one $3,000 Technical Advantage Scholarship to a local graduating senior attending a technical college in the fall.
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
$3,000 Touchstone Energy Scholarship
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- 5 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
- The $3,000 check will be made payable to the college the recipient will be attending
- Application deadline is Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at 11:59 pm.
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. Applicants must have average to above-average grades and submit an essay.
2024 Touchstone Energy Scholarship Recipients
Alexandra Becze
Katie Buehler
Garrett Brown
Brooke Taylor
Carena Tollefson
Chase Dillingham
Timothy Simpson
Laura Skroban
Cameron Hefner
Colette Dismukes
Ellison Briggs
Olivia Rogers
$3,000 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!
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- One $3,000 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
- You do not have to be a YEC member.
- Application deadline is Saturday, March 15th, 2025 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 $3,000 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 $3,000 Technical Advantage Scholarship.
2024 Technical Advantage Scholarship
Luis Govea
York Electric Cooperative's School-to-Work Scholarship
2024 Work-Based Learning Scholarship
Jenna Harris
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:
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- 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
South Carolina WIRE
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 2024 deadline has passed. 2025 will be announced soon with an application available to be submitted online at www.ecsc.org, by email to peggy.dantzler@ecsc.org, or by mail to Peggy Dantzler, The Electric Cooperatives of SC, 808 Knox Abbott Dr., Cayce, SC 29033.
Youth Trips
Washington Youth Tour & R. D. Bennett Scholarship
Attention high school juniors: It’s time to start planning for 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!
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.
Learn more about the Washington Youth Tour and apply online »
The 2025 Youth Tour application deadline is February 28, 2025.
Cooperative 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 Cooperative Youth Summit and apply online »
The 2025 Youth Summit application deadline is February 28, 2025.