These recipients were selected by an independent scholarship selection committee, who evaluated applications based on leadership abilities, community involvement, academic achievement and financial need.

“SPEC is committed to supporting the communities we serve and we’re proud to continue investing in the future of our communities through our scholarship program,” general manager Ron Hughes said. “We hope these bright students will complete their education and bring their knowledge and skills back home to benefit our communities.”

The San Patricio Electric Education Trust, established by SPEC in 1999, provides area students with the funds necessary to continue their education and meet their goals. This scholarship program is funded by donated and unclaimed capital credits. Since its inception, the fund has awarded nearly $1.4 million in scholarships to area students.

The cooperative’s 2025 scholarship program was open to high school seniors in SPEC’s nine-county service area. Eligible students were enrolled at an area high school or non-traditional education setting, such as homeschooling. In addition, the student’s parent or legal guardian had to be a member of the cooperative and receive SPEC service at the student’s primary address.

SPEC’s scholarship award is paid over four semesters, provided the student meets the standards established for the scholarship program. Each semester, the student must show that they have successfully completed a full-time course load of 12 hours or more, are enrolled as a full-time student for the upcoming semester and have maintained a GPA of 2.5 or greater.