CEMC Senior Scholarship Program
Offered by Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation
About This Scholarship
Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (CEMC) is one of Tennessee's largest electric cooperatives, delivering power across a five-county service area in Middle Tennessee that includes Cheatham, Montgomery, Robertson, Stewart, and Sumner counties. Each year the cooperative awards a dozen $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from its territory, reflecting the cooperative principle of concern for community that member-owned utilities build into their operations.
The Senior Scholarship Program is designed to be practical rather than prestigious: funds can be applied to tuition, textbooks, or required class materials at an accredited Tennessee college, university, or trade school. That trade-school eligibility matters — unlike many merit programs that quietly exclude vocational paths, CEMC treats a technical certificate as an equally fundable goal.
Because the applicant pool is limited to seniors in CEMC's five-county footprint, the odds here are considerably better than national programs. Students should confirm their household is served by CEMC and gather school records early, since the cooperative's deadline lands in late February while many seniors are focused on college decision letters.
Eligibility
- Graduating high school senior in CEMC's five-county Middle Tennessee service area (Cheatham, Montgomery, Robertson, Stewart, and Sumner counties)
- Household must be served by Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation
- Funds must be used at an accredited Tennessee college, university, or trade school
- Award covers tuition, textbooks, and/or required class materials
How To Apply
- Complete the Senior Scholarship application on CEMC's website (cemc.org) under Community Programs and submit it by the February 26, 2027 deadline. Applicants should be prepared to document their school enrollment and residence in CEMC's service area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend a four-year college to use this scholarship?
No. CEMC allows the $1,000 award to be used at any accredited Tennessee college, university, or trade school, covering tuition, textbooks, or required class materials.
Who is eligible for the CEMC Senior Scholarship?
Graduating high school seniors who live in CEMC's five-county service area in Middle Tennessee. The cooperative awards twelve $1,000 scholarships each year.
Can I use the award at an out-of-state school?
No. CEMC specifies the funds be used at accredited Tennessee colleges, universities, or trade schools.