Youth Involvement
As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, Missoula Electric Cooperative returns any margins (profits) back to our members in the form of capital credits, once all operating expenses are covered. With approval from our Board of Trustees, these capital credits are periodically retired and paid out to members.
In some cases, we’re unable to locate the intended recipients, and those capital credits go unclaimed. In alignment with our commitment to education—one of our core cooperative principles—unclaimed capital credits are directed to MEC’s Education Trust Fund. This fund helps support a variety of educational initiatives and programs that benefit our members and communities.
Our educational programs are thoughtfully designed to reflect the Seven Cooperative Principles, invest in tomorrow’s leaders, and strengthen the communities we serve.
Bright Future Fund (BFF)
When school resumes and leaves begin to fall, the Cooperative excitedly prepares for a surge of educational opportunities benefiting Cooperative schools and students. The Bright Future Fund (BFF) is one such opportunity, and this year, schools can apply for up to $7,000!
In early October, schools that educate MEC students will receive an invitation by mail and/or email encouraging them to apply for a $2,000 BFF grant. These grants are awarded to fill an area of need within our schools. This year, we are also offering four Merit Project awards of $5,000 for more substantial projects. This means that up to four schools could receive $7,000!
Check back in October when the application period opens again.
2026 BFF ApplicationAnnual Scholarship Program
Each fall, MEC members and/or their dependents can apply for one of twenty-two $1,500 scholarships. This encompasses twenty (20) general and vocational or trade scholarships scored on three criteria: scholastic achievement, future goals and community involvement/school activities, and two (2) Line Scholarships for students who plan to attend an accredited Montana line school.
Check back in November when the application period opens again.
2027 to 2028 Scholarship ApplicationMECA Memorial Scholarship
The Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association (MECA) Memorial Scholarships are available to our members on an annual basis. There are four $500 Memorial Scholarships available for students across Montana (one per state district). Each Montana cooperative will review their Memorial Scholarship applications and select one application to submit to MECA for review.
In order to apply to represent Missoula Electric Cooperative, the applicant’s parent/guardian must be a member of MEC. If you are not a member of Missoula Electric Cooperative, please contact your local electric cooperative for application materials and apply directly through them. Applicants must also be a graduating high school senior or older with plans to attend college or a current undergraduate college student.
Check back in December when the application period opens again.
For more information, please click here: MECA Memorial Scholarship Information
2027 - 2028 MECA Memorial Scholarship ApplicationYouth Tour
We know some of the brightest students reside within our district schools and we want to give them an opportunity to experience the past, present and future of our great country!
Each November, we accept Youth Tour essays from Sophomore and Junior students whose parent or legal guardian is a member at MEC. The winner of the essay contest will take part in a one-week, all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. to join more than 1,800 students from across the United States.
Here, students will watch history come to life as they explore museums, memorials and monuments, and rub elbows with US Representatives and Senators, all while learning about the history of rural electrification and the value it brings to our communities. Go to our Youth Tour page.
