This year’s recipient, Patrick Jones, a junior at ECU, is no stranger to the Cooperative difference. His mother was a past recipient of a Bright Ideas grant, and growing up in a cooperative-supported community has deepened his connection to these values. Jones, who was born and raised in Macclesfield, expressed his gratitude for being selected by the Cooperative.

“I’ve spent my entire life in eastern North Carolina, and I know the impact that electric cooperatives have on rural communities like mine,” Jones shared. “To be selected by the cooperatives for a scholarship is a tremendous honor.” Jones’ passion for engineering was sparked by his grandfather, who earned an engineering degree in 1968 and went on to work in the industrial engineering field. This family influence, along with the electrical classes Jones took in high school, set him on his path to ECU.

The North Carolina Electric Cooperatives’ Electrical Engineering Endowed Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who excels both academically and within their community. Jones plans to use his degree to give back to the rural communities that shaped him.

“My community is everything to me,” said Jones. “Giving back to my community, and others like it, has always been my goal. I’m proud to have the cooperatives supporting me on that journey.”
Winston Howell, CEO, presented the scholarship to Jones at the awards program for ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology. Howell emphasized the cooperative’s commitment to investing in the future of North Carolina.

“Our electric cooperatives are proud to support hard-working students like Patrick,” said Howell. “This scholarship reflects our dedication to both community and education, encouraging students to pursue careers that will shape the future.”

Jones, who is set to graduate in the fall of 2025, said the scholarship will allow him to focus more on his studies and less on financial stress. “This takes a lot of pressure off me, letting me focus on my degree and my experiences,” said Jones. “What the cooperatives are doing for students like me is incredible and truly reflects their values as an organization.”