Palmetto Electric Cooperative WIRE Scholarship 

A scholarship, ranging from $500-$1000, is available to high school seniors in Palmetto Electric Cooperative’s three-county service area.

The co-op’s community outreach organization WIRE (Women Involved in Rural Electrification) each year rewards a deserving senior living in southern Beaufort, Jasper, or Hampton counties. Students who have average or above-average grades and demonstrate a financial need can apply. Applicants must describe in 150–200 words how the scholarship will help them accomplish their goals.

Applications are available each January through February, online at palmetto.coop. The scholarship recipient is typically recognized at Palmetto Electric’s Annual Meeting. The essay, along with the application, ACT and/or SAT scores, and a copy of your high school transcript should be submitted before the February deadline.

Applications will be available January 1, 2026. Deadline to apply is February 28, 2026

Palmetto Electric Trust Scholarships

The Palmetto Electric Trust awards Palmetto Electric Trust (PET) Scholarships, which are worth up to $5,000 and $3,000 a year for qualified students. PET, the volunteer board that administers member donations to Operation Round Up, established the scholarships to assist qualified students in pursuit of a post-secondary education who demonstrate financial need and a willingness to learn.

One PET scholarship covers up to $5,000 a year for four consecutive years at a four-year university or college. The other is for up to $3,000 a year at two-year technical colleges. Scholarships for both categories will be given to a qualifying student from each of the counties served by Palmetto Electric—southern Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton.

Applicants must be legal residents of one of these counties and must be high-school seniors scheduled to graduate in the spring of the current school year. Applicants must have a cumulative grade average of 80 or above on a 100-point scale. Applicants pursuing a 4-year degree must submit SAT or ACT scores. View COMPLETE GUIDELINES here.

Deadline to apply is February 28, 2026

Palmetto Electric Trust Scholarship – University (4-year) Scholarship 
Career Field: Any
Area served: southern Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties
Financial need: Yes
Amount: Up to $5,000 per year for four consecutive years.

To create a scholarship application portal login and apply, CLICK HERE

Palmetto Electric Trust – Technical (2-year) Scholarship
Career Field: Technical Studies
Area served: southern Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties
Financial need: Yes 
Amount: Up to $3,000 per year

To create a scholarship application portal login and apply CLICK HERE

SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES

Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship

The Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship for Women is awarded annually by South Carolina WIRE (Women Invoved in Rural Electrification), a community service organization affiliated with Palmetto Electric Cooperative and other co-ops in South Carolina.

The WIRE Opportunity Scholarship is awarded to a woman who may not have been able to attend college when she graduated from high school but now wants to further her education. WIRE awards the scholarship based on her financial needs and personal goals.  More information can be found online at South Carolina Living.

Applicants for the WIRE Opportunity Scholarship must:

• Be a member/customer of a South Carolina electric cooperative

• Have graduated from high school or earned your GED at least 10 years ago

• Obtain acceptance into an accredited South Carolina college or university

• Demonstrate financial need and personal goals

Women who have previously obtained a four-year college degree are not eligible for this scholarship; however, applicants may have previously earned a two-year degree or some college credits.

The scholarship will be paid jointly to the winner and her college of choice.

For more information, visit The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina.

Washington Youth Tour and Cooperative Youth Summit

During the Washington Youth Tour, June 16-19, 2026, high school juniors will experience Washington, D.C. with students from across the country, meeting lawmakers and touring all the sights. Palmetto Electric will cover the costs of three students’ round-trip plane tickets, tours and meals. A $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to one participant from South Carolina. 

At the Cooperative Youth Summit, July 13-16, 2026, three high school sophomores and/or juniors will get to experience South Carolina’s capital like never before. Tour the Statehouse, meet lawmakers and see how co-ops are preparing for our state's energy future. Plus, there will be plenty of fun with visits to popular Columbia attractions.  Palmetto Electric will cover your expenses. 

Washington Youth Tour and Cooperative Youth Summit applicants' primary residence must be served by Palmetto Electric Cooperative.

Applications will be available January 1, 2026. Deadline to apply is February 28, 2026.  For questions, please contact Brooke Mingledorff at (843) 208-5556 or email youthtour@palmetto.coop