Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Applications for the annual Southside Opportunity Fund (SOF) scholarships for students headed to college or a trade/technical school will be taken through late March.

High school and home-school seniors who receive electricity at their homes from Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) are eligible to apply for the $1,000 scholarships. The application deadline is March 27. Scholarships will be awarded this spring.

The program was created by the SEC Board of Directors to provide scholarships and other opportunities for Cooperative members and their families.

It’s part of a recognition by the Cooperative of the importance of preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs.

Seventy-one scholarships totaling $78,000 have been awarded in just four years.

A combination of weighted criteria is used in the selection process: 45% is financial need, 45% academic achievement and 10% personal statement. Scholarships must be used for tuition, student fees, lodging or textbooks.

To be eligible, the applicant’s primary residence must receive its electric power from SEC, the applicant must receive a high school diploma or GED by the fall of 2020 and the applicant must be entering his or her first semester of college or trade/technical school in the fall of 2020. Proof of admission will be required if selected to receive a scholarship.

For more information and to apply for a scholarship, visit www.sof.coop.