published: Friday, January 18, 2013

SECO enhances school scholarship program for 2013

SECO enhances school scholarship program for 2013

Staff Report

The SECO Board of Trustees has voted to continue SECO's scholarship program for 2013 and has authorized an increase in the scholarship amount taking it from $2,500 up to $3,000 per student in recognition of the ever increasing cost of higher education.

Up to 12 high school seniors from the cooperative's service territory -- including Lake and Sumter counties -- will receive assistance to go on to a college or technical school following their graduation.

SECO's scholarship program has helped many students attain higher learning when that might have been difficult otherwise.

"The selection of those students who will receive scholarships will be based on each individual's past and present activities in school and the community, financial need and scholastic record," SECO Director of Corporate Communications Barry Bowman said. "All applicants will be evaluated by an independent panel of educators from around the SECO service territory."

Bowman noted that to qualify, graduates must reside in a home being served by SECO and be enrolled in an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school by the end of 2013.

Applications are now available at area high school guidance offices and at any of SECO's customer service centers in Marion, Lake, Citrus, and Sumter counties. They must be returned to SECO no later than March 29, 2013.

"The SECO scholarship program reaffirms the Co-op's commitment to the future of our young people, and while the program has no impact on the cost of electricity, it is a significant benefit for those awardees struggling to fund their higher education," Bowman said.