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

Illinois Electric Cooperatives Memorial Scholarships

Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s Manager of Member Services, Jennifer Gillan, has announced that the Illinois electric cooperatives will award a total of seventeen scholarships in 2026. The seventeen scholarships of $3,000 each will be awarded in 2026 through the Thomas H. Moore Illinois Electric Cooperatives (IEC) Memorial Scholarship Program.

  • Ten scholarships are for high school seniors who are the children of members receiving service from the cooperative. The application deadline for these is December 31, 2025.

  • Five scholarships are available for community college students who are the children of members, employees, or directors. The application deadline for these is December 31, 2025.

  • One scholarship is for a student who is the child of a director or employee. The application deadline is December 31, 2025.

  • One scholarship, the "LaVern and Nola McEntire Lineworker’s Scholarship" helps pay for lineworker’s school. It is open to the children of co-op members, relatives of co-op employees or directors, and individuals who have served in the military. The deadline for this scholarship is April 30, 2026.

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

Thomas H. Moore Illinois Electric Cooperatives Memorial Scholarships

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

IEC Memorial Scholarship Application

LaVern and 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) in conjunction with Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, Ill.

Lineworker’s Scholarship Application

Southwestern Electric Cooperative Power For Progress Scholarships

Southwestern Electric’s Power For Progress Scholarship Program has provided more than $300,000 in academic assistance to students pursuing a college degree or vocational school certificate.

Power For Progress Scholarships (Coming Soon)