Local students pursuing a diploma, degree or certificate from any of the 88 campuses of the Technical College System of Georgia or a recognized electric lineman school can now apply for renewable technical college scholarships of up to $2,250 per semester from the Coastal Electric Cooperative Foundation.
The funds are paid directly to the student in addition to other scholarships they may have received such as the Zell Miller Scholarship/ Grant or HOPE. May 1 is the next application deadline, followed by July 15 and Dec. 15.
In years past, high schools provided vocational technical training for students that prepared them for career paths to skilled jobs in the trades and crafts, said Coastal Electric Cooperative Vice President Mark Bolton, though vocational training has since been eliminated from many school curriculums.
“So much focus has been placed on the academic college path that the trades are desperately seeking skilled workers,” Bolton said. “With 80% of today’s new jobs requiring some sort of technical post education, these scholarships offer the gateway to careers in engineering, aerospace, biomedicine, technology, logistics, robotics and other evolving vocations important to Georgia’s employers throughout the state. Our scholarship programs offer students access to the training and skills needed to compete in the global market.”
Bolton said the earning potential in these fields is “outstanding for a 20 year old who can graduate and begin work immediately with no student debt.”
These technical college scholarships are funded through Operation Round Up, the voluntary program in which Coastal Electric Cooperative members allow their monthly electric bills to be rounded up to the next whole dollar. The money is handed over to the Coastal Electric Cooperative Foundation, where it is used for scholarships and other community purposes.
Eligible applicants must have a mailing address in Coastal Electric Cooperative’s service area of south Bryan, Liberty, Long or McIntosh counties, but does not have to be a Coastal Electric Cooperative member. For more information on how to apply, eligibility requirements, scholarship amounts and deadlines, visit CoastalElectric.Coop/Scholarships.
Work study program
Through April 30, Coastal Electric Cooperative is accepting applications for its Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow summer work study program, which introduces rising high school seniors to career opportunities in the electric cooperative industry.
Participants will be paid $9 per hour and may work up to 40 hours per week. Students must be at least 16 years old and must have completed the 11th grade with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 to be eligible. For more information and to apply, visit CoastalElectricCoop/careers.