Scholarships

Since 1992, SVEC has offered scholarships to to deserving high school seniors in the region that it serves. The primary requirements for a student to apply for the scholarship are that their parents, or guardians must be members of SVEC and the student must attend a high school located in the counties or city served by the cooperative. Scholarships are valued at $1,000. In the years since the scholarship has been awarded, the cooperative has given back more than $150,000 to the community.

Primary judging criteria are the quality of essay provided by the student, participation in school/community activities and the quality of applicant’s high school course load. Other judging criteria will include financial need, letters of reference and grade-point average.

Applications for 2024 scholarships are now closed. Recipients will be notified in late April.

Meet the 2023 recipients: 2023 Scholarship Recipients (PDF)


State Association Scholarships

Through the Education Scholarship Foundation of the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC), high school seniors in SVEC’s service territory can apply for an additional $1,000 scholarship. A combination of weighted criteria is used in the selection process: 40% financial need; 40% academic achievement; and 20% personal statement.

To learn more about the VMDAEC scholarship, please visit the VMDAEC page on scholarships.


Virginia Institute on Cooperative Education (VICE)

A leadership conference to educate 16-19 year-olds about the cooperative form of business through interactive instruction that includes a live business simulation, “Who’s Minding the Store?” Students enhance their teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, with top performers having the opportunity to receive up to $2,000 in educational scholarships. The event is held at Graves Mountain Lodge in Madison County.

Learn more on the Virginia Cooperative Council website!