Lineworker Scholarship Program

Each year, CEMC awards two $2,000 scholarships to members or children of members who are pursuing a career as a lineworker. Two applicants will receive a scholarship to help pay for the lineworker program of their choice.

Application Deadline – March 31, 2026

LINEWORKER SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES

AVAILABILITY:

The scholarship will be awarded to applicants who plan to attend an approved line worker training program.
The scholarship award is $2,000.00 that will be given to one recipient.
The scholarship is available to members and dependents of Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation.

GUIDELINES:

Applicant or their parents/guardians must be a member of Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation.
Applicant must have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent or be a graduating high school senior in good standing.
Applicant must have a valid driver’s license.
Applicant must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an approved line worker school training program.
Applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrollment.
Fund will not be awarded retroactively.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Applicants should submit the following:
A completed application, available at cemc.org
A copy of a valid driver’s license
Two (2) letters of recommendation
Essay explaining why you want to be a lineman and the need for this scholarship
High School/GED/college transcript

FUNDING:

Upon receipt of written proof of enrollment, scholarship awards can be payable to the line worker school program or the applicant.
Applicable use of funds includes tuition, books, equipment or other fees/cost related to the line worker school program.
Funds will be available up to 12 months after the date awarded.

Scholarships will be awarded based on need (50% of total score); Leadership and/or community involvement (20% of total score); and educational goals and career plans (30% of total score)

LINEWORKER SCHOLARSHIP FAQ’s

WHAT DOES AN ELECTRICAL LINE WORKER DO?

An electrical line worker performs a variety of tasks in diverse situations and areas. A line worker may be climbing poles or operating aerial lift devices to work on overhead lines 25 to 200 feet above the ground, while the next day they may be working on a substation or digging trenches to string underground electric cable. They also have their CDL and operate a digger derrick, bucket truck and various other industry equipment. Line workers work outside in all kinds of weather. Severe weather or accidents can knock out power to a community, and line workers may be needed at any hour to restore the power.

WHAT DOES A COMUNICATIONS LINE WORKER DO?

A communications line worker performs a variety of tasks in diverse situations and areas. A line worker may be climbing poles and maneuvering in elevated positions on wooden poles. Communication line workers will also build and maintain all aspects of telecom line construction. They also have their CDL and operate a digger derrick, bucket truck and various other industry equipment. Line workers work outside in all kinds of weather. Severe weather or accidents can knock out telecom lines to a community, and line workers may be needed at any hour to restore the service.

I’M INTERESTED IN A CAREER AS A LINE WORKERS, NOW WHAT?

It’s a good idea to do some research before pursuing the career of an electrical line worker or communications line worker programs. Schools like North American Lineman Training Center and Southeastern Lineman Training Center have resources for those who are considering this field of work. You can also request a brochure or talk with an admission consultant before deciding which school is right for you.

WHO IS ELIGIABLE TO RECEIVE THE SCHOLARSHIP?

Applicants who have been accepted into a line worker school/program must be an active member of Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation or live with a parent/guardian who is an active member. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, hold a valid driving license and possess a high school diploma or a GED certificate.

ARE ONLY GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS ELIGIBLE?

No! The CEMC line workers scholarship is available to any active member of Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation who is interested in pursuing a career in electrical and communications line work, regardless of age. The only requirement is that applicants must obtain a high school diploma or GED certificate and have a valid driver’s license.

WHO CAN WRITE A RECOMMENDATION LETTER FOR ME?

A teacher, counselor, spiritual leader, employer or other individual may write the recommendation, if he or she is not related to you or an employee of CEMC + Cumberland Connect. The person writing the recommendation must be able to describe how they know you and support the information you have provided in your scholarship application.

WHAT ARE THE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT’S OBLIGATIONS?

The $2,000.00 scholarship will be paid in full to the line worker school/program or the recipient prior to the start of the term. Upon completion of the line worker program, the recipient is not obligated to apply or work for Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation. Additionally, Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation is not obligated to hold or provide a job to the scholarship recipient.

HOW THE RECIPIENT IS SELECTED

The scholarship will be awarded based on the seven application questions, two letters of recommendation and an essay explaining why the applicant wants to be a lineman and the need for this scholarship. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a selection committee, whose decision will be final and binding. The selection committee will assess submissions based on criteria such as clarity, relevance, originality, and alignment with the scholarship’s purpose.

The organization reserves the right to verify the accuracy of the information provided in the application and accompanying documents. Any false or misleading information may result in disqualification of the application or revocation of the scholarship if awarded.

The organization also reserves the right to withhold the scholarship if no applicant sufficiently meets the established selection criteria. The scholarship recipient will be notified by the organization within [specific timeline] after the committee’s decision. No feedback or justification for selection or non-selection will be provided.

WHAT ARE THE APPROVED LINE WORKER PROGRAMS:

North American Lineman Training Center (NALTC)

1650 Trace Creek Rd

McEwen TN 37101

(Electrical Line worker)

Southeast Lineman Training Center (SLTC)

9481 Hwy 11

Trenton GA 30752

(Electrical Line worker Program and Communications Line Worker Program)

Printable Application (PDF)

Line Worker Scholarship Application

Step 1 of 2

Name

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Applicant Information

Name(Required)

First Last

Date of Birth(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Member Information

Member Name and Relationship to CEMC Account Member (if not self)(Required)

CEMC Account #(Required)

High School Information

High School Name(Required)

High School Address(Required)

Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Graduation Date

Date GED was Received

Line School Program Information

Name of the Line School Program you are requesting funds for:(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Accepted Date(Required)

Enrollment Date(Required)

Graduation Date(Required)

Application Questions

If applicable, please list any work history within the past four years.(Required)

Please type an essay answering the following questions and upload it below.

Why do you want to be a lineworker?
Tell us about your involvement with sports, extra-curricular activities or clubs.
Outside of school, what is your favorite hobby or activity and why?
Please list any community activities you have been involved with.
Tell us how you plan to pay for line school.
Please list any loans or grants you have obtained or anticipate receiving.

Please upload your essay here.(Required)

Max. file size: 2 GB.

Please upload two letters of recommendation here.(Required)

Drop files here or

Max. file size: 2 GB.

Must be signed.

Official High School / GED / College Transcript(s)(Required)

Drop files here or

Max. file size: 2 GB.

Copy of valid drivers license(Required)

Max. file size: 2 GB.

Please add any additional information you feel the scholarship committee should know.(Required)

Applicant's Statement

Please check each box, then sign and submit below.(Required)

Applicants are not obligated to apply to or work for CEMC/Cumberland Connect upon completion of the lineworker program.

CEMC/Cumberland Connect is not obligated to offer recipients a job upon completion of the lineworker program.

I authorize CEMC/Cumberland Connect to release information announcing my name and town upon receiving a scholarship for publicity purposes.

Applicant's Name(Required)

First Last

Parent/Guardian Name(Required)

First Last

Today's Date(Required)

By clicking ‘Submit’ below, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions outlined above.