The Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives has an Education Scholarship Foundation that may award a $1,000 scholarship to a student who has been accepted into the Power Line Worker Training School at Southside Virginia Community College. The students had to have met the requirements of the College to include: work history, personal references, drug screen and DOT physical, provided high school transcript or GED certificate and assurance of some physical requirements.
To be considered for this scholarship, an applicant must:
1. Have a high school diploma or Official GED Certificate.
2. Occupy a primary residence that receives its electric power from a VA, MD or DE Electric Cooperative. Visit: VMDAEC website for a list of the 16 qualifying electric cooperatives.
3. Be enrolled in the SVCC Power Line Worker Training Program.
4. Demonstrate financial need by providing the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) reported by parent or legal guardian on IRS Income Tax return.
5. Submit the following documents:
a. A copy of your high school transcript and/or diploma or a copy of Official GED Certificate;
b. A copy of the most recent electric bill for your primary residence; and
c. Complete and sign the Scholarship Application form.
6. We will verify your enrollment in the PLW Training Program directly from SVCC PLWS. By applying for this scholarship, you authorize us to do this.
If you need assistance with this application process, please contact Sam Brumberg, Association Scholarship Administrator, by calling 804-297-3459 or emailing sbrumberg@vmdaec.com.

VMDAEC Education Scholarship Foundation Scholarship Program for Graduating High School Seniors  

The Education Scholarship Foundation awards one-time, nonrenewable scholarships starting at $1,500, in addition to other awards. A combination of weighted criteria is used in the selection process: 40% financial need; 40% academic achievement; and 20% personal statement. Funds can be applied towards tuition, student fees, room and board, or textbooks.

About the Awards:

• The Worth M. Hudson Scholarships, in honor of Foundation founder and Board Chair, Worth Hudson, are $1,500 awards for student-members of any electric cooperative in our region.  Multiple scholarships are awarded.  In addition, the Foundation Board may, in their discretion, increase the award amount to $2,000 or $2,500 for exceptionally-scoring applicants.
• The Cook Scholarships, endowed by Larry and Leslie Cook, are five, $1,500 awards for student-members of Delaware Electric Cooperative.
• The Sherrod Memorial Scholarships, in honor of longtime editor of Cooperative Living Magazine Bill Sherrod, are awarded annually to students with interests in English, Journalism, or attending Randolph-Macon College, generally in the amount of $1,500 per applicant.
• The C.D. Hypes Scholarship, established in honor of Mr. Hypes, a longtime lineman and employee of Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative ("CBEC"), is a $2,000 award for a student-member of CBEC.
• The Gertrude Winston Memorial Scholarship, endowed by the Oliver Family in her memory, is a $2,000 award for a student-member of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative.
• The Roberta I. Harlowe Scholarship, endowed by the Foundation's long-time Board Chair & benefactor Mrs. Harlowe and her husband, is the Foundation's highest honor, awarded annually to a student-member of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative, in the amount of $3,000.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The primary residence of the applicant's parent or legal guardian must receive its power from one of the 16 electric cooperatives served by Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC). For a list of qualifying electric cooperative service territories, visit this website. 
• Applicants applying for a 2025-26 scholarship must be a senior graduating from either a public or private high school or home school in 2026. 
• Applicant must be entering his or her first semester at an accredited institution of higher education, trade or professional school, or other post-secondary institution in the fall of 2026.

Deadline:  

The 2026 scholarship cycle will close on March 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Prevailing Time.  

Mansfield Memorial Scholarship Program for Graduating High School Seniors   

The VMDAEC Education Scholarship Foundation awards one-time, nonrenewable $1,500 scholarships in memory of Brenda Mansfield, a cherished employee of Community Electric Cooperative. A combination of weighted criteria is used in the selection process: 40% financial need; 40% academic achievement; and 20% personal statement. Funds can be applied towards tuition, student fees, room and board, or textbooks.   

Eligibility Requirements: 

• You must have a personal relationship with Community Electric Cooperative ("CEC"), such as being the child or grandchild, of a current or retired CEC director (board member) or employee. 
• You do not need to be a member-consumer of CEC to be eligible for this scholarship.
• Applicants applying for a 2025-26 scholarship must be a senior graduating from either a public or private high school or home school in 2026.
• Applicant must be entering his or her first semester at an accredited institution of higher education, trade or professional school, or other post-secondary institution in the fall of 2026.
• You may apply for other VMDAEC scholarships in addition to this one, if you are eligible.

Deadline:   

The 2026 scholarship cycle will close on March 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Prevailing Time.