Community Service


Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative is a community-based organization, led by community leaders on its Board of Trustees, and with a workforce of local residents. Buckeye is committed to community development and improvement of the quality of life in Southeastern Ohio. Here are a few ways that the cooperative helps the communities that it serves:

Scholarship Programs –

Buckeye REC’s annual Scholarship Awards Program recognizes four outstanding students in its service area. One male and one female winner are judged for first-place ($1,000) and second-place ($750) scholarship awards. The first-place winners become eligible to compete in the Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc., (OREC) scholarship program.

The OREC competition awards $3,200 first-place scholarships for male and female winners, in addition to scholarship amounts of $2,200 for second place, $1,800 for third place, $1,700 for fourth place, $1,600 for fifth place, $1,500 for sixth place, $1,400 for seventh place, $1,300 for eighth, and $1,200 for ninth place. Students must apply for the local awards to qualify for the statewide scholarship competition.

Students in the co-op’s service area can also apply for the Touchstone Energy Special Achievements Scholarship. Four scholarships of $1,900 are awarded.

For more information about cooperative scholarships, call Bryan Long at (740) 379-2080, Ext. 131.

Youth Tour –

High school sophomores and juniors are eligible for the Buckeye REC annual Washington D.C. Youth Tour. The co-op sponsors one or two students on this annual educational trip to the nation’s capital, where they join hundreds of fellow students sent by co-ops across the U.S. For application information, call Bryan Long at (740) 379-2080, Ext. 131.

Electric Safety –

Buckeye REC offers electric safety programs to schools and community groups, including volunteer fire departments and emergency responders. The programs, conducted by co-op personnel, utilize demonstrations and videos to explain the hazards of electricity and how to remain safe in the home, at work, on the farm, and around high-voltage equipment. Call (740) 379-2080, Ext. 162, to schedule an electric safety program.

Community Development –

Buckeye REC stands ready to support local community development efforts and has on staff several individuals with experience in rural economic development. The co-op maintains membership in area chambers of commerce. Employees are encouraged to join and become active in various civic organizations.