Youth Involvement
As a cooperative, we operate as a non-profit. Therefore, after all operating expenses are paid, we allocate remaining margins back to members in the form of capital credits. With Board approval, capital credits are retired (paid out) periodically. Often, the intended recipient cannot be located and their capital credits go unclaimed. Because one of our core principles is education, unclaimed capital credits are applied to MEC’s Education Trust Fund, which helps to fund our educational programs.
We developed the following educational programs to not only support our Seven Cooperative Principles, but to invest in future leaders and contribute to the welfare of our communities.
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 $6,500!
In early October, schools that educate MEC students will receive an invitation by mail and/or email encouraging them to apply for a $1,500 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 $6,500!
The application process is an opportunity to convince us that your project is GREAT and deserving of a BFF and/or Merit Project grant! The application period begins at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, through 5 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023.
2023 BFF Application FormAnnual 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 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.
We invite local students, grades 12 and up, to apply for a 2024 scholarship. Scholarship applications will be available from 8 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024. Scholarship recipients will be announced via mail in mid-to-late February.
2023 to 2024 Scholarship Application FormMECA 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).
In order to apply, the applicant or a parent/guardian, must be a member of MEC or another MECA electric cooperative. Please apply through your local electric cooperative.
MEC applicants are required to submit their application online with all required materials. The application period begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023 and ends at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024.
MECA Memorial Scholarship Information
2023 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 1,500 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.
