Show your Cooperative Spirit and Win a $1,500 Scholarship

We are pleased to offer scholarships to high school seniors whose parents or guardians are members of Polk-Burnett Electric Co-op. Scholarships are based on community service and recognize students who make a difference in the lives of others. 

More than $1 million awarded since program began in 1987!
Good for technical school, college or university.

Co-op awards 101 scholarships to Class of 2025, most ever! See 2025 Scholarship Winners

Eligibility

Scholarship candidates must:
1. Be a high school senior, graduating this school year.
2. Be the child or legal dependent of a Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative member. (A member is someone who buys electricity from the co-op; parent/guardian must be named on electric account.)
3. Be continuing their education after high school at an accredited technical school, college or university.
4. Demonstrate community service, according to instructions on scholarship application.

Online applications accepted Sept. to Dec. each school year.

All applicants of Polk-Burnett's Scholarship program are invited to apply for Co-op Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. by completing optional Youth Tour essay questions.

Selection

All candidates who meet eligibility and community service requirements are entered into a random drawing in January.

Notification

Winners are announced by mail, in the Powerlines newsletter and during award programs at local high schools. Upon proof of enrollment at an accredited school, scholarship winners receive a check for first-semester expenses. Scholarship checks are payable to the educational institution.

Scholarships do not affect your electric bill

Scholarships do not affect electric rates. Scholarships are funded with unclaimed Capital Credit dollars that otherwise would be forfeited to the state, and by the generosity of co-op members who donate Capital Credits to the scholarship fund.

Polk-Burnett is owned by its members and guided by a nonprofit, cooperative philosophy. When the cooperative makes money beyond expenses, the difference is refunded to members as Capital Credits. Prior to 1987, Polk-Burnett was required to give unclaimed Capital Credits to the State of Wisconsin. Now, the co-op can use these unclaimed dollars for education, and we are proud to offer scholarship to the children of our members. 

If you would like to donate your future Capital Credits to the co-op's scholarship program, see our online enrollment form.

For more information, contact:

Joan O'Fallon, communications director
800-421-0283, ext. 333
jofallon@polkburnett.com