United Scholarship Opportunities Reopen for 2026

Lilah Eakes still hasn’t given up her dream of specializing in dermatology. 

Eakes earned the second-place $5,000 scholarship from United Cooperative Services last year. Though she’s only been at Texas Tech University for a year, she’ll soon be classified as a junior. College credits she earned while attending Grandview High School have helped her move forward quickly. 

“My experience at Texas Tech has been incredibly exciting and rewarding so far,” Eakes said. “College has definitely challenged me academically, but it has also helped me grow so much as a person.”

Eakes said she recently shifted her academic path and is now part of the College of Human Sciences, majoring in human sciences on a pre-physician assistant track. Dermatology is still her main ambition, though. While her long-term goal has evolved, her passion for patient care and making a difference in people’s lives has stayed the same, she said.

“One of my favorite parts has been getting involved on campus,” she said. “Joining Raiders Helping Others Executive Board (RHO), which is a Texas Tech University Housing organization centered around community service, has truly helped me find my place here.”

The scholarship has helped her financially, Eakes said, but it also has impacted her in ways that go far beyond the classroom. As she pursues her education, it also allowed her to interact with the community through RHO, she said. 

“If it weren’t for this scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to serve others in the way that I do now,” she said. “Through my presidency in RHO and being actively engaged in my church, I’ve been able to give back, build meaningful connections, and grow as a person. It has allowed me the space to evolve not just academically, but also as a human in ways like becoming more present, more service-driven, and more intentional in everything I do.”

Eakes’ success at Texas Tech is one example out of many young people who have been assisted by United’s scholarship program as they pursue their educational goals. Last year, United Cooperative Services awarded $45,000 to 16 area students. Since the program’s inception, United has pledged more than $1.6 million in tuition funding, assisting 1,067 students across its service territory.

“Cooperative Principle No. 7 encourages United to show concern for the community,” said Brealee Villareal, United community relations manager and scholarship coordinator. “As a former top scholarship recipient who is now a United employee, I can attest that our scholarship program demonstrates support and generosity for the young people we serve.”

Scholarship applications open May 1 and are accepted until June 1. Applicants are evaluated on financial need, leadership, community involvement and school activities. High school and undergraduate students must reside with parents or legal guardians who are active United members at their primary residence. Students can apply at ucs.net/scholarships.

The program is made possible by House Bill 3203, which allows nonprofit electric cooperatives to redirect unclaimed member dividend funds to scholarships rather than sending them to the state’s general revenue fund.

Cameron Smallwood, United CEO, said last year’s recipients provided a snapshot of a region’s talent that includes future engineers, mechanics, teachers and healthcare professionals.

“Each year, we see an outstanding group of scholarship recipients who showcase intelligence, responsibility, and a strong drive for personal growth throughout the selection process,” Smallwood said. “Demonstrating concern for our community and supporting young people in their pursuit of higher education is one of the many ways we strengthen our communities and honor our commitment to those we serve.”

Cadian Allen also attends Texas Tech. As the third-place $4,000 recipient, she said she was grateful for her scholarship to help pay for classes. Since attending, she has changed majors from cell and molecular biology on a pre-med track to kinesiology.

“I want to go into orthopedic surgery as a physician’s assistant in kinesiology, and this can teach me a lot more about the kinetics of the body,” she said. “The scholarship has really helped me to pick the classes that I know will help me the most.  I would encourage all students to apply. It’s not as intimidating as it seems.”