The Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC) and all its member cooperatives around the state hold dear the seven cooperative principles. The AIEC and Clay Electric Cooperative hold ‘Concern for Community’ to be particularly important. The scholarship programs at the local and statewide level are a way that we can directly help the members of our community.

The AIEC award twelve $2,000 scholarships each year. Six scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who are children of a member of an Illinois electric cooperative. Four scholarships are reserved for member’s children enrolling full-time at a two-year Illinois community college. One scholarship, the Earl W. Struck Memorial Scholarship, goes to a high school senior who is the son or daughter of an Illinois electric cooperative employee or director. One scholarship, the LaVern and Nola McEntire Lineworker’s Scholarship, is awarded to a student to attend the lineworker’s school conducted by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives in conjunction with Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield.

One of the four community college scholarships was awarded to Brady Clark of Louisville. Congratulations, Brady!