Photos by Josh P. Crotzer
Women returning to school to earn college degrees may now apply for financial assistance from the 2023 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 scholarship is a one-time award based on financial need and personal goals.
In 2022, Ariel Arthur, a member of Aiken Electric Cooperative, and Jacqueline Kelly-Silva, a member of Horry Electric Cooperative, both received a $2,500 scholarship to complete their college education.
Arthur is pursuing an elementary education degree at Aiken Technical College in Graniteville.
“I was very, very thrilled when I got the call,” she says. “When I applied to Aiken Tech, I said, ‘Okay, God, if you want me to do this, you’re going to have to make it happen because I don’t have the finances to pay for college.’ God keeps giving me exactly what I need when I need it.”
Kelly-Silva is studying psychology at Coastal Carolina University and hopes to become a certified marriage and couples counselor.
“I’ve always contemplated going in that direction,” says Kelly-Silva. “But when I was younger, I was intimidated by all that schooling and going for a master’s degree. As I got older and began raising my kids, I realized I’m not afraid anymore.”
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, 2023. The recipient will receive the scholarship for the Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 semester, paid to the recipient’s college of choice. To apply online or to learn more, visit ecsc.org/wire.