Deadline to submit applications and supporting materials is 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Selected finalists will be contacted to participate in an interview at the cooperative on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.

CAREER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: One $1,000 scholarship
 

APPLICANT QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:

• Must live in a permanent residential home receiving electric service from Firelands Electric Cooperative. (Those with only commercial accounts or other non-residential service are not eligible to apply.)
• Must be a graduating senior with plans to enter a career or vocational-based training program. The scholarship is intended for programs that will earn the student an associate degree OR other certificate of completion beyond high school level. Examples include, but are not limited to, dental hygiene, phlebotomy, nursing, vet tech, electrician, HVAC, plumbing, auto mechanics, welding, machinist, and cosmetology.
• Must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale or an equivalent standing on a non-traditional scale.
• CANNOT reside in the household of a Firelands Electric trustee or employee, other co-op employee, OEC, or affiliated organization employee (Buckeye Power, Inc.; RESCO; etc.).
• Grade transcripts, one 500-word (approx. one page) recommendation letter, a resume/list of activities and achievements, and a recent photo must be submitted with the application.
• Applicants who receive “full ride” scholarships (i.e., scholarships that cover the cost of tuition, room, board, and books) to the school/program of their choice are not eligible to receive awards from the co-op.
   

JUDGING:

Finalists will be scored up to a maximum of 40 points for scholastic record; 30 points for personal achievement and school and community activities; 20 points for personal interview with the judges; and 10 points for cooperative knowledge.

Evaluation of cooperative knowledge will be conducted through a 2-3 question assessment conducted during the interview process. These questions will be based on information from the Seven Cooperative Principles Training located at www.ohioec.org/orientation.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Firelands Electric Cooperative’s Scholarship Coordinator Tracy Gibb at  members@firelandsec.com or by calling 1-800-533-8658