Gordon Bone Memorial SharingChange Scholarship
Offered by Middle Tennessee Electric
About This Scholarship
Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) is the largest electric cooperative in Tennessee and one of the largest in the nation, serving more than 750,000 people across Rutherford, Williamson, Wilson, and Cannon counties in the Nashville metro's booming southern and eastern suburbs. Through its SharingChange charitable foundation — funded by members rounding up their electric bills — the cooperative awards ten $2,000 scholarships each year in memory of longtime board leader Gordon Bone.
The eligibility window is wider than most co-op programs: entering freshmen, current undergraduates, and graduate students can all apply, as long as the applicant is an MTE member or a dependent of one and the funds are used at an accredited two-year, four-year, or trade school in Tennessee. That makes it one of the few cooperative scholarships in the state that a mid-degree or graduate student can win.
Selection runs on a points system weighing financial need, GPA, community service, leadership, and a short essay — just 200 to 300 words on how the funds will advance the applicant's goals. Winners are notified in late July, after the spring deadline.
Eligibility
- MTE member or dependent of an MTE member (service area covers Rutherford, Williamson, Wilson, and Cannon counties, Tennessee)
- Entering freshman, currently enrolled undergraduate, or graduate student
- Funds must be used at a Tennessee-accredited two-year or four-year college or trade school
- Short essay of 200-300 words required; scored on need, GPA, service, leadership, and essay
How To Apply
- Complete the online application linked from mte.com/scholarships, including the 200-300 word essay on how the scholarship will benefit your goals, by the March 15 deadline. Winners are notified in late July.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can graduate students apply?
Yes. The Gordon Bone Memorial SharingChange Scholarship is open to entering freshmen, current undergraduates, and graduate students — unusually broad for a cooperative scholarship.
How is the scholarship funded?
Through SharingChange, MTE's charitable foundation funded by members who round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar.
Where can I use the award?
At any Tennessee-accredited two-year college, four-year college, or trade school. Ten $2,000 scholarships are awarded each year.