2026 Laurens County Public Power Scholarship
The City of Clinton, the Laurens Commission of Public Works (CPW) and Piedmont Municipal Power Agency (PMPA) understand the value of an advanced education and also recognize the importance of community leadership. By requiring applicants to articulate their thoughts and opinions on this subject, we hope to develop future community leaders.
Applicants must submit the completed application form, essay, and two references by January 16, 2026, to qualify for the scholarship. The essay topic for 2026 is to answer the question, “What is Public Power and why is it important for our community?”
There will be two winners, one from District 55 and one from District 56. The winners will receive a one-time scholarship in the amount of $2,500 each, payable to any accredited university, college or technical college in South Carolina.
Guidelines for the 2026 Laurens County Public Power Scholarship
I. REQUIREMENTS
A. Applicant must be a high school junior or senior.
B. Applicant must be a School District # 55 or 56 resident.
C. Completed application form, essay, and three references must be returned by January 16, 2026, to the Laurens County Public Power Scholarship Committee.
D. The City of Clinton, CPW, and PMPA’s board members, elected officials, employees, or members of their immediate families are not eligible to participate in this contest.
E. Failure to comply with all requirements will disqualify your entry.
II. APPLICATION FORM
A. All pages of the application form must be completed in their entirety, accurately and neatly (preferably typed).
B. The Laurens County Public Power Scholarship Committee reserves the right to contact the applicant, school, or references to clarify questionable answers and check records for accuracy.
III. REFERENCES
A. Two letters of reference shall be submitted from business or professional people such as clergy, lawyers, bankers, farmers, or doctors. Only one of these may be submitted by a school administrator or teacher.
B. Give a reference form to each individual you request to submit a reference. Encourage them to complete and return to the Laurens County Public Power Scholarship Committee January 16, 2026.
IV. ESSAY
A. Applicants must submit an essay of at least 1,000 words, entitled, “What is Public Power and why is it important for our community?”
B. Essay must be typewritten and double-spaced.
C. Essay must be in the student's own words.
D. Research bibliography must be attached to essay.
V. WINNERS
A. One person from each school District will be selected to receive the Public Power Scholarship: a one-time scholarship of $2,500.
B. A first and second alternates will also be selected from each district. Should one or more of the district winners become ineligible, the first alternate will be given the opportunity to receive the scholarship. Should the first alternate become ineligible, the second alternate will be given the opportunity to receive the scholarship. Should the second alternate become ineligible, the scholarship will not be awarded for that year.
C. Winner selection will be based on the student's essay, participation in school and community activities, honors and awards, received recommendations of references, and personal goals.
D. In case of a tie, a personal interview may be requested of the finalists.
E. The winners may choose to attend any accredited university, college or technical college located in South Carolina to further his or her education.
F. The scholarship check will be made payable to the school and the student and must be endorsed by both.
G. Should a full scholarship from another source be received by the winner, the scholarship will be offered to the alternate.
H. Once a letter of acceptance is received from the university, college or technical college, the student will be responsible for providing the Laurens County Public Power Scholarship Committee with a copy. In the event a recipient does not enroll in an accredited institution by the fall term after the student’s high school graduation, the prize will be forfeited and, where practicable, awarded to an alternate recipient.
I. All participants will be notified of the results after January 16, 2026. The official award ceremony will take place at the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner at Presbyterian College on February 5.
J. The decision of the judges is final. (No obligation or liability is assumed by PMPA or the Laurens County Public Power Scholarship Committee in connection with any scholarship).
K. All essays become the property of PMPA and the Laurens County Public Power Scholarship Committee and may be used in promotional activities. Personal information will not be released to any person or firm.