Information packets are now available for the Youth Scholarship Contest sponsored by United REMC.

Area high school age students can compete for three cash scholarships. First place is awarded $1,000, while second and third place winners each receive $500.

The contest is open to students freshman through senior year, and the only requirement is that the student's parent or legal guardian be a customer of United REMC.

Students will write an essay on a selected topic and will also be judged on their other activities in school, church, job, academics, community, etc. Students may also submit up to three letters of recommendation by non-family members.

Essays and applications will be reviewed by independent judges, including communication specialists from other electric co-ops and professions.

The deadline for entry is April 6. Winners of the contest will be announced in early May and recognized at the United REMC Annual Meeting on June 12.

Information packets and entry forms have been distributed to area high schools within United's service area. In addition, the information is posted on the utility's Web site at www.unitedremc.com and are available at the co-op's office.

For information packets, students should contact their guidance office, or call United REMC at 758-3155 or 800-542-6339 to have one mailed to them.

Students may receive up to $1,000 cumulative total, and winners from previous years are eligible to enter again this year.