Scholarships

Project Big Heart's Claude H. Neff Memorial Scholarship

Project Big Heart, Culpeper District, is proud to announce it will award $1,500 scholarships to one Madison County and one Orange County 2026 high school graduate. Please note that counties with multiple high schools will be limited to one recipient in that county (not each high school).

Project Big Heart is a volunteer employee organization of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC).  It was formed in the spring of 1991 to raise funds for a scholarship for local students. The organization has since been involved in supporting deserving families throughout the year.

Claude Neff was an employee of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative for many years before his accidental death in 1991. He helped form and served as a director of Project Big Heart until his death. He spent much of his time and energy helping young people realize their potential and obtaining their goals. We are honored to have our scholarship carry his name.

This scholarship is offered on a rotating basis to the six counties served by REC’s Culpeper District. This year’s scholarships will be presented to Madison and Orange County graduates in financial need who will be attending a local community college in the upcoming summer or fall semester. The student’s parents/guardians must have an active REC account.

Please see Project Big Heart Application for additional requirements.

Deadline to receive completed application is March 31, 2026.

American Association of Blacks in Energy Scholarship

The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Scholarship aims to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement among high school seniors. This scholarship is open to underrepresented minority students who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their academic and extracurricular activities.
 
The AABE Scholarship will provide financial assistance to selected students to help cover the costs of tuition, books, and other educational expenses. The exact amount and number of scholarships awarded will depend on the availability of funds and the quality of the applications received.

To apply for the AABE Scholarship, interested students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
 
1. Be a graduating high school senior.
2. Enrolling at an accredited college or university/or trade school
3. Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Pursuing a degree in business or one of the physical sciences: technology, engineering, mathematics, or technical trade certification
5. Submit a completed scholarship application by the specified deadline. (April 15, 2024)

Learn more about the AABE Scholarship here. 

Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC) Education Scholarship Foundation

High school students eligible to apply for the REC Community Scholarship are also eligible to apply for the Virginia, Maryland, Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives Education Foundation Scholarship.

• Scholarship amounts are determined annually and are awarded to students throughout VMDAEC’s service areas, including REC
• Scholarship winners will be selected based upon their scholastic achievements, community involvement, recommendations and written personal statement
• To complete the application, go to https://vmdaec.com/scholarshipfoundation/
• If assistance is needed with the VMDAEC application process, contact Sam Brumberg, VMDAEC scholarship coordinator, at scholarship@vmdaec.com

Housing Scholarships Available for Lineworker Training School

REC is proud to offer two scholarships to REC Members enrolled in the Power Line Worker Program with Southside Community College.

Each Scholarship is valued at up to $1,250 and is intended to cover lodging for the 77-day duration of the program.

For more information or to apply, contact Suzanne Shook at suzanne.shook@southside.edu or 434-292-3101.

* Applicants must reside within REC's service territory.*