Women In Rural Electrification (WIRE) is a nonprofit, statewide community service organization established in 1981 through the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc.

WIRE is committed to promoting awareness and enhancing the quality of life for those in rural communities across South Carolina. Palmetto Electric's WIRE chapter consists of women representing our four districts of Hilton Head, New River, Hampton, and Ridgeland. Through service and support, WIRE makes a meaningful difference in the communities we call home. 

What does WIRE do?

As a Palmetto Electric WIRE member, you have the opportunity to: 

• Participate in two informational meetings held annually, including a holiday luncheon in the fall and an Annual Meeting dinner in the spring. Meeting dates and times are mailed to members in advance.

• Support community service projects that address local needs

• Build connections with other members through fellowship and service

• Increase understanding of rural electrification and the cooperative's efforts to improve the quality of life for its members at the local, state, and national levels

Palmetto Electric's WIRE chapter is committed to helping those in our community through a variety of service projects throughout the year. WIRE members have donated to local toy drives at the holidays, provided scholarships to high school seniors, and given to other non-profit organizations through monetary donations and other essential items. 

Co-op Kids Closet: Each summer, Palmetto WIRE partners with South Carolina WIRE for the Co-op Kids Closet, where WIRE members work together, alongside students participating in the Cooperative Youth Summit, to pack bags filled with essential hygiene items for students experiencing homelessness or housing transition. These bags are then distributed to our local school districts. 

WIRE Membership Information:

• Annual dues: $10.00 (due at the Fall WIRE meeting for current members, OR upon submitting the WIRE application for new WIRE members)

• Eligibility:  Women eligible for membership include members of Palmetto Electric Cooperative, employees, employees' wives, retirees of Palmetto Electric Cooperative, directors, and directors' wives.

For additional information, please contact:

Brooke Mingledorff or Jordan Richardson
📞 843-208-5556 / 843-208-5578
✉️ wire@palmetto.coop 

You may also complete the online application below to join Palmetto Electric’s WIRE chapter.

WIRE Scholarship Opportunities:

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 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.

Deadline to apply was February 28, 2026

Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship

The Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship for Women is awarded annually by South Carolina WIRE (Women Involved in Rural Electrification), a community service organization affiliated with 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.  

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. 

Deadline to apply is June 1, 2026

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