When Opportunity Knocks

The hustle and bustle of maintaining work and academics full-time began to pose a daunting challenge for college student Juliet Jackson.

Nearing the end of her educational journey at the University of North Texas, the college senior Granbury resident  said she’d  applied for the scholarship to reduce financial stress while she achieved a more authentic college experience of a large university. Last year, Jackson’s parents, who are United members, encouraged her not only to focus on completing her bachelor’s degree in ecology, but also to apply for United’s scholarship program. She became the top recipient, earning  $10,000 for school.

This year’s application season begins on May 1 and will run through June 1. Members can find the application process online at the co-op’s website under the Programs tab at www.ucs.net. United’s scholarship program was made possible by House Bill 3203, which allows nonprofit electric cooperatives to put unclaimed member dividend funds to use toward deserving students in the form of scholarships.

“I have been given the gift of time during this final semester of my ecology bachelor’s degree,” Jackson said. “United’s scholarship award has allowed me to pay for my housing, which afforded me the luxury of time to explore internship opportunities, research programs and volunteer workshops around my university and community. This would never have been possible without United’s scholarship.”

Not only does the  scholarship allot more time, but it provides unwavering confidence to put your best foot forward in completing a bachelor’s degree, Jackson said. Once she graduates this May, Jackson pictures herself working on conservation-based research projects in the future.

“I am happy diving into any aspect of environmental conservation and restoration,” she said. “I would love to eventually work for a not-for-profit business that values a healthy harmony between human services and the environment, similar to United.”

Advocating For Our Member’s Communities

Last summer, United supported the academic dreams of another 15-member-student group when it awarded $43,000 in scholarship reserves during the cooperative’s annual scholarship banquet.

United’s scholarship program aids in the educational pursuits of members and their families as well as positively contributes to the communities the co-op serves, said Brealee Toomer, marketing and public relations specialist and scholarship coordinator.

“One of our guiding cooperative principles encourages us to show concern for the community,” Toomer said. “As a former top scholarship recipient and now United employee, I can attest that our scholarship program demonstrates compassion and generosity for the young people we serve.”

Including last year’s awards, United has granted approximately $1.4 million in college tuition funding to more than 1,000 commendable area member-students who are seeking higher education since 1997. Scholarship recipients are selected from area-wide applicants based on leadership and community involvement, financial need and school engagement.

“United is far more than an electric utility delivering power to over 100,0000 members,” said United CEO Cameron Smallwood. “As a member-owned electric cooperative, we strive to invest in the future of our communities. By helping the younger generations we serve to achieve their higher educational dreams via our scholarship program, the cooperative upholds that continual commitment.”