We have entered a bittersweet time for many folks—especially the younger ones—in our communities. I’m sure that by the time you are reading this, many students have returned to the classroom eager to learn while thinking of the fond new memories made during their summer break.

I’m thankful for the educators and support staff whose dedication to their students will make a lasting impact on their lives. My mother was a teacher for 35 years, and I had a front-row seat to her dedication, which extended far beyond the seven or eight hours per day in the classroom. Her example taught me that education is one of the most powerful investments we can make. 

That belief is shared here at CHELCO. We recognize that strong local schools, extracurricular activities, and supporting organizations contribute to stronger communities.

Supporting Local Education

Each year, CHELCO provides financial support to local education foundations serving Okaloosa and Walton counties. This support helps teachers obtain classroom supplies and resources that directly benefit students, helping our educators provide an environment where students can succeed. Additionally, our member-funded Operation Round Up program regularly supports education organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on local students’ lives.
For students preparing to take the next step, we are proud to offer scholarships that help offset the cost of higher education and technical training. This program is open to all members and member dependents pursuing an undergraduate degree or a trade. Earlier this year, we awarded 10 students with a $1,000 scholarship to help with their educational costs. Additionally, CHELCO has funded an endowment through the Northwest Florida State College Foundation that provides scholarships to members or their dependents.

Continuing Education at CHELCO

The electric utility industry is always evolving, and it’s crucial to prepare our employees through ongoing education and training. Employees take part in many hours of training throughout the year to equip them to perform their jobs at a high level. For those seeking further growth, our tuition reimbursement program helps employees pursue certifications and degrees while working at CHELCO.

Safety and Energy Education

In the community, our team leads a variety of educational presentations, including the Live Line Safety Demonstration. This demo illustrates the dangers of contact with high-voltage power lines, and importantly, it teaches what to do if your vehicle comes into contact with downed power lines. From first responders to elementary school students, this presentation has taught thousands of individuals the importance of safety around power lines.
Additionally, our team is available to visit schools and civic groups to highlight energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and more. Visit CHELCO.com/education-programs to see all the opportunities available to our community.

Never Stop Learning

We’ve all heard the phrase, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.” I think we all know that this is not necessarily true. I prefer Henry Ford’s quote on learning: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

As our students, teachers, and support staff all report back to school, I wish you all a wonderful school year. And to those who are on the other side of your educational journey, may you never stop learning!