Santee Electric Cooperative announces scholarship opportunities for local high school students
January 26, 2026
Santee Electric Cooperative (SEC) continues its tradition of supporting the communities it serves by offering a variety of scholarship programs to area high school students. With the application period for these scholarships opening next month, students and families are encouraged to review the opportunities available and prepare their applications. To qualify, applicants must reside in a home served by SEC and attend a high school in Clarendon, Georgetown, Florence, or Williamsburg County.
Overview of Scholarship Opportunities
Annual Meeting Scholarships – $500
SEC will award eight $500 scholarships to high school seniors during its annual meeting, which is scheduled for April 14, 2026. Interested students can find the application in the 2026 February issue of South Carolina Living Magazine or apply online at SEC’s website.
Two scholarships will be randomly drawn from applicants in each of the four counties served by the co-op. Eligible students must be high school seniors with at least a “C” average who plan to attend college and whose parent or guardian is an SEC member.
Empower the Future Scholarship – $1,000
The Empower the Future Scholarship program provides $1,000 scholarships to 15 high school seniors within SEC’s service territory. This competitive scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional merit and stand out through their academic achievements and unique qualities.
Operation Round Up Scholarship – $2,500
Operation Round Up® is a voluntary program in which SEC members choose to round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar, typically averaging $5 per year. These contributions are pooled to fund important community projects and assist those in need within the SEC service area.
Administered by the SEC Trust Board composed of community leaders, the Operation Round Up Scholarship awards one $2,500 scholarship each year to a graduating senior in Clarendon, Florence, Georgetown, and Williamsburg counties. Eligible recipients attend either public or private schools and are selected by the SEC Trust Board.
Both the Empower the Future and Operation Round Up scholarships share the same eligibility requirements and application process. Applicants need to submit only one application to be considered for both opportunities. The application deadline for these scholarships is March 26, 2026. Interested students can apply using  one application.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College Scholarship
SEC also offers scholarships to Horry-Georgetown Technical College for individuals pursuing a career as electrical lineworkers. This initiative not only improves quality of life within the SEC service territory but also supports diversity among future lineworkers.
Eligible recipients must reside in the SEC service territory and be enrolled in the electrical lineman technician program at HGTC. Priority consideration is given to minority applicants who meet the criteria. The scholarship covers tuition for one student per semester, supporting three students per year for 10 years. To apply, candidates must complete both the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and a scholarship application.
With these scholarship offerings, SEC demonstrates its commitment to empowering students and investing in the communities it serves, helping to create a brighter future for all.
