Programs focus on area youth development
Your children have the opportunity to apply for several different youth development opportunities from TCEC. The cooperative abides by seven universal cooperative principles. Two of the principles are education, training and information as well as concern for community. These opportunities fall under those principles. They are part of the advantage of being a cooperative member.
Giving Funds to Schools (GiFTS)
Students and educators in TCEC’s service area can apply for funds for their schools through the Giving Funds to Schools (GiFTS) program. Each school is allocated funds based on its enrollment. Applications are open from January 1 to October 1. Some ways schools can use funds are yearbook or activity program ads, athletics, field trips, educational equipment or supplies, and FFA programs.
specifically ball and wobble chairs, for one of
Guymon’s Northeast Elementary classrooms in 2020.
Free Trips
TCEC sends 11 students on trips each year. Applications open in the fall, usually by November 1, for the following opportunities. TCEC pays transportation, lodging, meals and other incidental costs incurred with all trips. Students are responsible for souvenirs and extra personal items they may need during the trip.
Energy Camp (Eighth Graders)
- Four eighth graders will go to Energy Camp in Hinton, Oklahoma.
Youth Tour (Juniors)
- Three high school juniors will go to Washington, D.C., as part of the Rural Electric Youth Tour.
Youth Leadership Camp (Juniors)
- Two high school juniors will go to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, for the Youth Leadership Camp.
Youth Leadership Summit Trip and Scholarship (Seniors)
- Two high school seniors will be selected to attend the Youth Leadership Summit in Oklahoma City and receive a $500 scholarship.
Scholarships
In addition to the Youth Leadership Summit scholarship mentioned under ‘trips,’ area high school seniors are eligible for two more scholarship opportunities courtesy of TCEC.
OPSU Scholarships
For entering freshmen and returning sophomores to Oklahoma Panhandle State University, the cooperative funds eight scholarships valued at $2,000 each. The Panhandle State Foundation administers the scholarships. Applications are usually open from December to mid-February. More information can be found at www.opsu.edu.
Golden Spread Electric Cooperative Director’s Memorial Scholarship
TCEC is member of Golden Spread Electric Cooperative which offers a $2,000 scholarship to students who plan to attend a college in Kansas, Oklahoma or Texas. The scholarship deadline is March 1 each calendar year and applications should be made directly to the Opportunity Plan. The application and brochure can be found on Golden Spread’s website at www.gsec.coop.