Youth Programs
Lillard Shadow Scholarship
Volunteer Energy Cooperative sponsors college scholarships for four graduating high school seniors each year. To be eligible, applicants must receive electric service from VEC through their parent or guardian.
Scholarship awards are $500 per semester and may be renewed for up to four semesters. Applications become available each December, and the deadline to apply is in March.
Applications can be obtained through area high school guidance counselors or at any VEC service center. For more information, contact VEC Cooperative & Member Services at 423-334-7052, or click below to download and print an application.
Take the next step toward your future and apply for a VEC scholarship today!
2027 Lillard-Shadow Scholarship Application Deadline: Friday, May 5, 2027 @ 5:00 p.m. EST.
4-H Electric Camp
Electric Camp is an exciting, fun-filled adventure exploring the laws of science and electricity. It is for 6th and 7th grade 4-H students and is held at the University of Tennessee Knoxville Campus each summer. It consists of hands-on activities in which students learn about the safe and proper use of electricity, as well as aspects of other sciences. Electric Camp is one of the lowest cost 4-H camps the extension service offers. For more information, contact your local extension agent. For more information, please contact (423) 334-7052.
Washington Youth Tour
Volunteer Energy Cooperative joins electric cooperatives across the country in sponsoring the annual Washington Youth Tour. Each year, VEC sends 12 high school juniors and three employees on this unforgettable experience.
Students are selected based on a short essay written on a theme chosen annually. The top 12 essays will be selected as winners, and the best overall essay will be submitted to the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA) as VEC’s grand prize entry.
Youth Leadership Summit
Each year, VEC sends two high school juniors to Nashville to participate in the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Leadership Summit. Students practice forming and operating their own cooperative, visit the capitol, and meet with their legislators and other state government officials. Competition to attend the seminar is tough and open only to students whose parents are members of Volunteer Energy Cooperative.