Tanesha Simmons, a student concern specialist in Charleston County schools, is one of two recipients of the 2024 Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship, awarded by South Carolina’s Women Involved in Rural Electrification (WIRE).
Photo by Journey Grace Photography, provided by Tanesha Simmons
It’s Tanesha Simmons’ job to support students, working as a student concern specialist in Charleston County schools. But now, Simmons is getting support, too, thanks to her co-op, as she furthers her own education.
The Berkeley Electric Cooperative member is one of two recipients of the 2024 Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship, a $2,500 award for women who are members of a South Carolina electric cooperative and returning to college.
Simmons is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in special education from Columbia College. She hopes to eventually obtain a master’s degree in school psychology and continue to help students in her community.
“This scholarship will go a long way to help me complete that goal,” says Simmons, who lives on Johns Island. “I won’t have to acquire a lot of debt to finish school.”
Caitlin Bhimull of Lexington also received a $2,500 scholarship. She is studying special education at the University of South Carolina at Aiken.
Women returning to college may now apply for financial assistance from the 2025 Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship program. Sponsored by Women Involved in Rural Electrification (WIRE), a service organization associated with South Carolina’s not-for-profit electric cooperatives, the $2,500 scholarship is a one-time award based on financial need and personal goals.
Applicants for the Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship must:
- Be a member/customer of a South Carolina electric cooperative
- Have graduated from high school or earned their GED at least 10 years ago
- Obtain acceptance into an accredited college or university
- Demonstrate financial need
The deadline to apply is June 1, 2025. The recipient will receive the scholarship for the Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 semester, paid to the recipient’s college of choice. To apply online or to learn more, visit ecsc.org/wire.