Youth Programs and Scholarships
Benton REA is proud to take an active role in the education of our youth. Contact Benton REA’s member services department for more information about the following youth programs.
For more information about Benton REA's Youth programs and scholarships, contact member services at 509-786-2913.
Classroom Presentations
Professionals at Benton REA use their real world experience and knowledge to help teachers educate children about electricity with safety demonstrations. Subjects such as building a circuit, how electricity is generated and distributed, conserving energy and water and electrical safety tips are just some of the topics that Benton REA can teach in the classroom.
Live-Line Safety Demonstrations
Benton REA co-owns a life-size electrical safety demonstration trailer with our neighboring utilities with the goal of providing electrical safety education to our communities. Members of Benton REA may request a safety demonstration for their school, community organization or workplace free of charge. The live-line demo is dependent on the availability of our skilled linemen as well as the shared schedule between the utilities. Contact member services for information on availability.
Youth Tour in Washington D.C.
If you’re a current high school sophomore or junior and looking for something fun and to do in the summer, the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour may be just the thing for you! This is an all-inclusive paid trip by Benton REA and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
The selected individual(s) will represent Benton REA as its delegate(s) and will have an opportunity to participate in what has the potential of being an exciting and memorable event in their lives.
Washington, D.C., is steeped in patriotic history. You will walk on the same streets of our nation’s greatest leaders and American heroes. You’ll discover national shrines, priceless works of art, world-class museums and many other treasures of our American heritage.
The tour also will provide delegate(s) with an opportunity visit with their elected leaders and see where laws that affect millions of citizens across the country are made.
During the trip, the NRECA plans activities that bring together 2,000 high school students from across the country. You’ll meet many new people and build friendships that can last a lifetime. And, you’ll have ample opportunity to develop your communications and leadership skills. We encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Eligible students must be children of Benton REA members residing in Benton, Lewis or Yakima counties. Each student will be required to submit an essay on why they want to attend and what they expect to gain from the experience.
Scholarships
Benton REA will award up to eight scholarships to qualifying Benton REA members or their children whose main residence is within Benton, Lewis or Yakima counties and are graduating high school seniors. To ensure a wide range of students have access to these scholarships, Benton REA offers three scholarship programs: Academic, Line School and Trade & Technical.
Applications for 2024 - 2025 scholarships are due January 6, 2025.
Academic Scholarships
Academic scholarship recipients receive $8,000 over four years of their continuing education. To apply, students must submit a completed application, a copy of their transcript, a description of involvement and a 500-word essay and bibliography.
Trade & Technical Scholarships
Up to two Trade & Technical scholarship recipients will receive $4,000 in equal installments based on the duration of the selected curriculum. Trade & Technical Scholarships can only be used for a program at a technical or trade institution or a pre-approved certification program or associate in applied science program at a community college or university. To apply, students must submit a completed application, a copy of their transcripts, an experience sheet and three reference letters, one from someone associated with the trade the applicant will pursue.
Line School Scholarship
One Line School Scholarship recipient will receive $8,000 paid directly to the program upon Benton REA's receipt of tuition costs and appropriate evidence that the recipient has been accepted as a full-time student. First priority use of the scholarship funds must be to pay tuition. If money remains after tuition is paid, the candidate may purchase equipment and submit documented receipts to the Benton REA Review Committee to obtain reimbursement of such expense. To apply, students must submit a completed application, a copy of their transcripts, an experience sheet and three reference letters, one from someone associated with the trade the applicant will pursue.
2024 Academic Scholarship Recipients
Ryan Evans - Hanford High School
Klara Hulick - Hanford High School
Sydney O'Neil - Richland High School
Hans Joseph Rasmussen - Hanford High School
Macey Stephens - Hanford High School
2024 Trade and Technical Scholarship Recipients
Brody Weets - Sunnyside High School
Maeve Weets - Sunnyside High School