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 2021, Erica Gore—a member of Horry Electric Cooperative—received a $2,500 scholarship to complete an associate degree in baking and pastry arts from Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
“As the first person in my family to attend college, I have always strived to be a great example to my children and show them how to persevere and succeed through hardships,” says Gore, a resident of Little River. “I want to continue doing that by obtaining a degree in baking. Receiving this scholarship is a huge benefit and will ease the financial burden on my family.”
Gore plans to apprentice at a bakery to further develop her craft and would like to eventually teach the culinary arts at local schools.
Applicants for the program must:
- Be a member of a South Carolina electric cooperative.
- Have graduated from high school or earned a GED at least 10 years ago.
- Be accepted into an accredited S.C. college or university.
- Demonstrate financial need and clear academic goals.
The deadline for applications is June 1, 2023. Recipients will receive scholarships for the Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 semester, with funds paid directly to the college or university.
To apply, use the online form at ecsc.org/wire. Paper forms are available at your local electric cooperative and can be downloaded as a PDF here.
Completed forms can be attached to an email addressed to Peggy.Dantzler@ecsc.org, or mailed to Peggy Dantzler, The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, 808 Knox Abbott Dr., Cayce, SC 29033.