YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST
Scholarships are awarded as follows to the authors of the top three essays to students at each of the twelve participating public high schools.
1st place - $1,500
2nd place - $1,250
3rd place - $1,000
*Additional $1,000 scholarships may, at the judges' discretion, be awarded to other exemplary entries. All scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. The number of applicants, the amount of funds, and the final opinion of the judges will affect these decisions.
Requirements:
- Student must be a son or daughter (or under legal guardianship) of an active member of OEC residing in the same household.
- Student must be entering his/her senior year of high school in the fall 2024 at one of our 12 area high schools (Brookwood, Mauston, Necedah, Nekoosa, New Lisbon, Pittsville, Reedsburg Area, Royall, Sparta, Tomah, Wisconsin Dells and Wonewoc.)
- Student must participate in Youth Leadership Conference, July 16-18, 2024.
- Following YLC, the student must write an essay on the same topic chosen by WECA for its scholarship essay contest.
- Student should mail one copy of his/her essay to OEC and one copy to WECA to be eligible for both scholarships. The same essay can be submitted to qualify for both contests.
- Scholarships will be awarded to students entering a post-high school educational facility in the academic year following high school graduation. Proof of enrollment will be required.
LINEWORKER
One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior pursuing a post secondary education in an electrical lineworker program.
Eligibility:
Any applicant enrolling in a lineworker program. Preference will be given to OEC members, and residents of Monroe, Juneau, Jackson, Sauk, and Wood counties.
Selection:
Selection criteria will be based on scholastic achievement, school and community involvement, work history, financial need, and essay submission.
Application:
Applicant must complete and submit the scholarship application to Oakdale Electric Cooperative.
Disbursement:
The check in the amount of $1,000, will be paid to the college or vocational/technical school after the recipient provides OEC with a copy of the student’s official school transcript indicating that the student provides proof of enrollment in an electrical lineworker program.
Other:
Recipients must be enrolled in a lineworker program to begin in the fall of each year. In the event the lineworker program is full and the college of choice is maintaining a student waiting list, the recipient must provide proof in writing in order to hold funds for the next open enrollment period.
The creation of this scholarship is a free act of Oakdale Electric Cooperative (OEC). OEC retains its right to alter, suspend, cancel or halt the Lineworker Scholarship program at any time and without giving any reason, provided that scholarship winners, already in college under the program will continue to receive the stipends as awarded.
At-Large/Non-Traditional
One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior who is not enrolled in one of the twelve participating public high schools in our service area (At-Large) or someone returning to university or technical college after spending time in the work place or raising a family (Non-Traditional). To be eligible, the applicant must be a member or the son or daughter (or under the legal guardianship) of an active member of the Oakdale Electric Cooperative in good standing and accepted at a post-secondary program or accredited training program. Applicants do not have to attend Youth Congress, but are required to write an essay. The disbursement of this scholarship will be awarded after all qualifications are met and verification of enrollment.
Submit completed application form to Oakdale Electric Cooperative.