Scholarship Programs

Scholarship Winners

VMDAEC Education Scholarship

APPLICATIONS OPEN TO BARC AREA SENIORS ON JANUARY 5, 2026

Each year, the VMDAEC Education Scholarship Foundation awards $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors whose primary residence is served by BARC Electric, or a VMDAEC member electric cooperative, and who are pursuing higher education or trade school. Since 2001, the Foundation has provided nearly 1,500 scholarships totaling more than $1,100,000 to students across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.

  • Applications open: January 5, 2026
  • Application deadline: March 20, 2026
  • Winners notified: April 2026

Scholarship Basics

A combination of weighted criteria is used in the selection process: 40% financial need; 40% academic achievement; and 20% personal statement. Funds can be applied towards tuition, student fees, room and board, or textbooks.


Eligibility Requirements

  • Primary residence of applicant’s parent or legal guardian must receive its power from one of the 15 electric cooperatives served by Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC).
  • Applicants applying for a 2026 scholarship must be a senior graduating from either high school or home school in 2026.
  • Applicant must be entering his or her first semester at a post-secondary school or technical/trade school in the fall of 2026.

For applicant questions, please direct all scholarship inquiries to pr@barcelectric.com. To apply visit: vmdaec.com/scholarshipfoundation.


Virginia Institute on Cooperative Education (VICE) and Scholarship

March 20-22, 2026 at Graves Mountain Lodge

Please email pr@barcelectric.com for an application


Each spring, VCC sponsors the Virginia Institute on Cooperative Education, a leadership conference to educate high school juniors and seniors about cooperatives and the co-op form of business through interactive instruction that includes a live simulation, “Who’s Minding the Store?” Students gain teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, with top performers having the opportunity to receive up to $2,000 in educational scholarships.

Student applicants are required to choose a cooperative business in Virginia and contact a staff member to learn more about the size and operation of this cooperative in their community. To be considered for college scholarships, students will complete a test based on the “Welcome to Cooperatives” manual and be evaluated on participation in activities during VICE, including the “Who’s Minding the Store” team simulation.

VICE evaluations consistently report that students find the conference fun and educational. They often write that they came to the conference knowing nothing about co-ops but leave with a fuller appreciation of this unique business form. They also provide positive feedback on the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy great food in a scenic rural setting. In recent years, 100% of participants said they would recommend VICE to a friend.