Alabama Municipal Electric Authority Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Alabama Municipal Electric Authority

Overview

Description: The PowerUp Scholarship program, administered by Energy Southeast since 1992, provides financial support to graduating high school seniors whose families receive electric service from participating Energy Southeast member utilities. The program supports students pursuing four-year colleges, community colleges, and vocational or trade schools within Alabama. Energy Southeast emphasizes fairness and nondiscrimination throughout the application and award process.

History of the Award: Since inception, the program has awarded more than $3.6 million in scholarships. Participating members include Alexander City, Dothan, Fairhope, LaFayette, Lanett, Luverne, Opelika, Piedmont, Riviera Utilities, and Sylacauga. The program aims to sustain access to postsecondary education for eligible local students.

• Established in 1992; over $3.6M awarded to date.
• Open to students served by specific Energy Southeast member utilities.
• Program applies consistent nondiscrimination policies.

Application Submission Requirements

The application must be completed in full and received by Energy Southeast by the stated February deadline. Incomplete applications or materials submitted after the deadline are not considered. The organization enforces strict formatting and attachment requirements; failure to comply will disqualify an application.

Application Timeline: All materials must be received by Energy Southeast by the February deadline each year, and scholarship recipients are announced and awarded in the spring.

• Complete applications only; partial or late submissions are disqualified.
• Deadline: applications due by February (annual deadline).
• Awards are announced in the spring.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility: Applicants must be graduating high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian receives electric service from an Energy Southeast member utility at the time of application and through high school graduation. Recipients must enroll in an accredited four-year college or university, community college, or vocational/trade school located in Alabama. Dependents of utility customers are the intended beneficiaries of the program.

• Dependent of an Energy Southeast member utility customer at application and graduation.
• Must be a graduating high school senior.
• Enrollment required at an accredited Alabama postsecondary institution.

Required Documents

Required Documents: Applicants must submit all listed documentation for their application to be considered. Required items include an official high school transcript, official ACT or SAT score certificate (counselor-signed if a copy), a resume of extracurricular and service activities, two letters of recommendation (no relatives), and a copy of the most recent electric bill from the member utility. Failure to provide any required document will result in disqualification.

• Official high school transcript and standardized score certificate.
• Resume of activities, work, and volunteer experience.
• Two non-relative letters of recommendation and recent electric bill.

Scholarship Awards

Award Value: Up to 44 scholarships of $2,500 each may be awarded. Each participating member city or utility may allocate two scholarships for students attending four-year institutions and two for those attending community colleges, vocational, or trade schools. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the educational institution for credit to the recipient’s account.

• Up to 44 awards of $2,500 each.
• Member utilities may award two scholarships for four-year colleges and two for community/vocational schools.
• Funds are remitted directly to the recipient’s institution.

Scholarship Conditions

The scholarship is exclusively for graduating high school seniors who meet the dependency and residency requirements described in eligibility. Awards must be used within 16 months of high school graduation. Applicants may be asked to provide a senior portrait or similar photograph for promotional use; providing a photograph is voluntary and not a condition of the award.

• Award restricted to qualifying graduating seniors and eligible dependents.
• Scholarship must be used within 16 months after graduation.
• Photograph submission is voluntary and not required to receive the award.

Application Methods and Contact

The PowerUp Scholarship application may be completed online via the application portal or by requesting and submitting a paper application. Paper applications and all required documentation may be emailed or mailed to Energy Southeast; electronic signatures are accepted through the portal, while paper submissions require signed student and parent/guardian signatures. For questions or to submit electronic documents, contact [email protected].

• Apply online (electronic signatures accepted) or submit a paper application.
• Email submissions: [email protected].
• Mailing address: Energy Southeast, 80 Technacenter Drive, Suite 200, Montgomery, AL 36117.

Member Utilities

Energy Southeast’s member utilities support the scholarship program and help ensure its financial stability. The organization’s fiscal strength enables it to meet obligations and continue providing resources and opportunities for members and their communities. Member participation underpins the program’s longevity and community impact.

• Member utilities fund and support the scholarship program.
• Financial stability enables ongoing award administration and access to resources.
• Member participation ensures continuity and community benefit.