A group of graduating students, happy and excited to begin the next chapter of their lives

Power For Progress Scholarships

Since 1995, Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s Power For Progress Scholarship Program has provided more than $300,000 in academic assistance. In 2026, Southwestern Electric will award 14 scholarships of $1,200 each, including:

  • 12 Southwestern Electric Scholarships

  • 1 Alan Libbra Memorial Scholarship
  • 1 Richard Gusewelle Memorial Scholarships

Scholarship winners may use the funds for tuition at any accredited U.S. university, college or technical school. To qualify, you or your parent/guardian must be an active Southwestern Electric Co-op member, and you must be admitted as a full-time student for Fall 2026.

One scholarship will be awarded to a post graduate student. Southwestern directors, employees, and their immediate families are not eligible.

Deadline for application is Friday, March 13, 2026.

For more information regarding scholarships, contact Jennifer Gillan at (800) 637-8667 or by email at community@sweci.com.

Southwestern Electric Cooperative Power For Progress Scholarships

High school scholarship application

High School Student Application

Southwestern Electric will award 13 scholarships to high school students graduating in 2026.

Apply Now
Post HS graduate scholarship application

Post HS Graduate Application

Southwestern Electric Cooperative will award one scholarship to a post-high school graduate.

Apply Now
 

IEC Memorial Scholarships

Thomas H. Moore IEC Memorial Scholarship

Thomas H. Moore IEC Memorial Scholarships

This year, the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives will present scholarships to 17 individuals associated with Illinois electric co-ops. Apply for a Thomas H. Moore IEC Memorial Scholarship here.

LaVern and Nola McEntire Memorial Lineworker’s Scholarship

LaVern & Nola McEntire Memorial Lineworker’s Scholarship

This $3,000 scholarship will help pay for costs to attend the lineworker’s school conducted by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC) with Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, Ill.