North Carolina is widely known as the home to a number of top basketball programs. And, because of scholarships provided by North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, more than 50 rising sixth and seventh graders from across the state laced up their sneakers to experience basketball camp at two of those top universities last month.
The annual Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarship program sends one young woman to the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp and one young man to the Carolina Basketball School from each participating electric co-op in the state – all expenses paid.
Wes Moore, coach of the Wolfpack women’s basketball team, and Hubert Davis, coach of the Carolina Tar Heel men’s basketball team, direct the camps with the help of staff and current and former players.
“North Carolina has exceptionally talented youth athletes,” said N.C. State University Women’s Basketball Coach Wes Moore. “Over my years in coaching and watching talent develop, I have found that athletic skill and potential are not bound by where you live, where you go to school, or your background. Because of this partnership with North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, we can help kids from all over the state attend our camp and discover their true potential on and off the court. It’s such a rewarding experience for all involved.”
The scholarships cover all expenses at the overnight camps, which provide a glimpse into life on a college campus. Campers stay overnight in dorms, learn fundamental skills and receive individual and group instruction from Division I coaches to enhance their basketball and team-building abilities.
“Commitment to the community is at the heart of the cooperative mission,” said Chris Nault, manager of public relations for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “This scholarship program is just one example of that mission in action. We are proud to continue the tradition of giving outstanding young people from across the state the chance to work with collegiate coaches and experience the thrill of playing on a college basketball court.”
For more than two decades, the Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships have provided a one-of-a-kind educational and athletic opportunity to our state’s youth. Applications open at the beginning of January each year, with a March 31 deadline to apply. To be eligible, students must be rising sixth or seventh graders at a qualifying school in North Carolina. Applications are then reviewed by a panel from their local electric cooperative and assessed by a variety of criteria – academics, extracurricular activities and an essay.
This annual scholarship program is part of North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives’ commitment to building a brighter future. Visit our Commitment to Community web page to learn more about this long-standing program and other educational and outreach efforts that are strengthening co-op communities.