Central Texas Electric Cooperative will award $1,000 college scholarships this year to 25 students in the co-op’s service area, bringing the combined amount of financial help awarded to area students over the program’s 27-year history to $689,000. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the co-op to help our members with really no cost,” says Tachi Hinojosa, CTEC CEO. “Utilizing the state’s escheated funds also guarantees that a portion of that money returns to our area and gets employed for the betterment of our members.” H.B. 3203, which passed in September 1997, allows nonprofit electric cooperatives to put unclaimed capital credits funds—previously collected by the Texas comptroller’s office for the state’s general fund—to use for student scholarships.
Guidelines for 2024 Program
A 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 each applicant’s eligibility and will be granted to students who attend an accredited Texas institution of higher education. Recipients must enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours or be considered by the registrar to be a full-time student. Scholarships will be mailed directly to the financial aid office of the selected school for the fall 2024 semester.
Eligibility
CTEC accepts and considers scholarship applications from active members of the co-op 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. at the applicant’s current school. For applicants returning to school after an extended absence, recommendation letters will be accepted from previous employers, supervisors, ministers, etc. Applicants must have a coherent degree plan and a willingness to pursue a course of higher learning.
How to Apply
For high school seniors, CTEC mails applications and guidelines in early January to schools in the co-op’s service territory. For members already out of high school, applications are available at all CTEC offices visit us here. Questions can be directed to Patricia Stehling in the Fredericksburg office at 1-800-900-CTEC (2832) or at (830) 997-2126 or by email at patricia.stehling@ctec.coop. Recipients will be announced in late April.
Deadline
Completed applications must be in by 5 p.m., Friday, February 23, 2024, at CTEC’s Fredericksburg office.