As a member owned cooperative, we understand the importance of giving back, in fact it is one of the Seven Cooperative Principles that help to guide our cooperative— Commitment to Community.
We take great pride in helping develop rural leaders in our region. Therefore, we offer scholarships to students whose parents are cooperative members.
These scholarships are considered an investment in the future of our youth. One of the scholarships is sponsored by our wholesale power supplier, Basin Electric Power Cooperative. One recipient is selected annually to earn a $1,000 award based on academic record, potential to succeed, leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, and a statement of education and career goals. Through Operation Round-Up®, three students are selected annually through a random draw process to receive a $1,000 award.
Students looking to join the electrical lineworker industry can receive an award of $1,000. Crow Wing Power works with Minnesota technical schools to identify member dependents attending M-State Wadena, Minnesota West and Community Technical College, or Dakota County Technical College. Since 2011, Crow Wing Power has given $40,000 in scholarships to member dependents attending M-State.
High school seniors that attend public schools within Crow Wing Power’s service territory are eligible to apply for scholarships in the amount of $1,500. Students whose parents are Crow Wing Power members are eligible. The application process is through each school’s guidance counselor’s office. Students attending post-secondary schools can apply. In 2022, 52 seniors from eleven high schools received scholarships.
Lastly, new in 2022, we’ve added three $1,500 scholarships to be given out to non-traditional students. These include high school seniors that attend a charter, online, or private school. Students that are college-bound for the very first time after taking some time away post-graduation are also encouraged to apply.
Scholarships are made possible through the Operation Round-Up® Community Trust Board and through unclaimed capital credits.