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BASTROP — One of the state’s largest electricity providers powered up local learners this past week with a generous sum of scholarships.
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative helped graduating seniors across its 14-county service area, including Bastrop, pursue higher education by awarding 135 Scholarships of Excellence totaling $337,500.
“It is rewarding for Bluebonnet to help these students take the next step in their academic and career goals,” General Manager Matt Bentke said. “One of our values is supporting the communities in which we live and serve. We are proud to support these students who will continue to give back to their communities.”
The $2,500 scholarships were awarded to Bastrop’s brightest working towards a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree or a trade-and-technical certificate.
More than 260 graduates submitted applications this year. To be eligible for a Bluebonnet Scholarship of Excellence, a student must reside with a parent or guardian who is a Bluebonnet member.
Recipients come from public, private and homeschools, and were awarded the donation based on academic achievement, community service and leadership, work experience, extracurricular activity, awards, honors and a written essay.
“Congratulations to these outstanding, hardworking students who earned a Bluebonnet scholarship this year, and thanks to all the students who participated in the application process,” Bentke added.
Money for scholarships does not come from Bluebonnet members’ bill payments or rates, according to representatives. Honors are funded through the organization’s annual Scholarship Golf Tournament and unclaimed capital credit payments to former members that are returned from the state.
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative has been serving its members since 1939, reaching more than 131,000 meters and maintaining 12,800 miles of power lines across Central Texas counties.
Scholarships were also provided to Brenham, Giddings and Maxwell County students.
For more information and a list of all recipients, visit https://bluebonnet. coop/2024-scholarship-recipients.
