Les Beach Memorial High School Scholarship 2026
Introduction
The Lake Country Power Les Beach Memorial Scholarship for graduating high school seniors is renewable up to a total of $4,000 ($1,000 per year for eight semesters) for qualifying students. The scholarship honors a former co-op employee and recognizes student commitment and contribution to local communities.
Description
Scholarship recipients can qualify for up to $4,000 over four years to help pay for college or technical school. Scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters, and students must maintain a grade point average of 2.5, or higher. They must also have a full-time enrollment status.
The online application process opens annually on January 1, and high school seniors whose parents or legal guardians are LCP members have until 11:59 p.m., January 31 to apply. Applicants must submit an online application. The written essay and student portion of the application is due no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 31, 2026. Two letters of recommendation (teachers, counselor, mentor) must be submitted electronically by February 15, 2026. Transcripts are due by February 15, 2026. See the "Student Checklist" to review and double-check the information you will need in order to complete your application. NOTE: ACT scores not required.
Where does the funding come from?
The scholarships are funded through a provision in Minnesota state law that allows cooperatives to donate unclaimed property (such as unclaimed capital credits or utility refunds) that remain uncashed for seven years.
Who is Les Beach?
Les Beach is a former Lake Country Power employee who was killed while helping restore power outages for Lake Country Power members in July 1999. Mr. Beach was employed 23 years in the cooperative's operations department as a line engineer. The memorial scholarship was established by the Lake Country Power Board to honor his memory and raise electrical safety awareness around power lines.
Qualifications
High School Scholarship Eligibility & Application Guidelines
Lake Country Power scholarships are offered to graduating high school seniors who will be continuing their education. The following criteria will be used when selecting students:
Applicant must be a high school senior scheduled to graduate in the spring of the current school year.
Must register as a full-time college or vocational-technical school student (minimum: 12 credits per semester.)
Applicant must have a High School Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher.
Student, parent or guardian must be an active member of Lake Country Power (they receive electricity from the cooperative).
Applicant must submit a 250-word or less essay referencing goals and future plans. Describe why you should receive the award or other relevant information that you'd like the selection committee to know.
Applicant must demonstrate a commitment to community through active involvement in civic affairs or volunteerism in community organizations or programs that enhance the quality of life for the citizens of our region.
Applicant must complete the application, submit an essay, and provide two letters of recommendation (from a counselor, teacher, coach, high school administrator, mentor or community leader).
Application form must be completed in full, and include any required attachments. Entries that do not meet application deadlines will not be considered.
A copy of the applicant’s high school transcript, including senior year’s first semester must be provided.
The applicant agrees that if awarded a scholarship, his/her name and photo may be used in various communication channels by Lake Country Power.
Awards will be made to recipients in August and January. Proof of enrollment in an accredited school is required for award payment.
Decision of Scholarship Committee is final.
Selection Process
Given the additional responsibilities and commitments associated with a renewable scholarship program, Lake Country Power's Electric Trust Board now oversees the review of scholarship applications and selects scholarship recipients annually for the more than 35 area high schools within Lake Country Power's service area.