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CenterPoint Energy Scholarship Program
Deadline to apply: February 28, 2020 3:00 pm CT

CenterPoint Energy has established a scholarship program to assist dependents of employees who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs.

This program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or national origin.

Applicants to the CenterPoint Energy Scholarship Program must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be the legal dependents* of active, retired or deceased (while in service or retired) CNP legacy and Vectren legacy employees. Dependents of employees who are receiving long-term disability benefits are also eligible. Active CNP legacy employees must have at least one year of service as of Jan. 1, 2020. For 2020 scholarship programs, employee eligibility is extended to dependents of Vectren legacy employees who became part of the Company as of the merger date on February 1, 2019.
    *Dependent children are children or legal wards who qualify as federal tax exemptions to the employee.
  • Be high school seniors or graduates, current postsecondary undergraduates, or graduate students who plan to enroll in full-time study toward a degree or completion of a recognized course of study at an academically accredited institution.
    *Full-time is at least 12 credit hours each semester and 24 credit hours in an academic year, or the equivalent.
  • High school seniors, and first and second year undergraduates must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent.
  • Third and fourth year undergraduates, and graduate level students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent.

Awards

If selected as a recipient, the student will receive a $1,000 award per semester for a total of $2,000 per academic year. Up to eight (8) awards will be granted. The CenterPoint Energy parent/guardian employee must continue to be an eligible employee at the time each payment is processed.

Awards may be renewed for up to three additional consecutive years or until the degree is earned, whichever occurs first. Renewal is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance per semester, as defined in the initial application grade point eligibility requirements, the student remaining age 25 and under, and the parent remaining an eligible employee at the time each award payment is processed.

Students receiving a CenterPoint Energy Scholarship are not eligible to receive a Don D. Jordan Scholarship during the same academic year.

Awards are for undergraduate and graduate study.

Selection of Recipients

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, a statement of goals and aspirations, and an outside appraisal.

Financial need is not considered.

Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship America. In no instance does any officer or employee of CenterPoint Energy play a part in the selection. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.

Notification

All applicants will be notified in April. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients. Students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.

Payment of Scholarships

Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of CenterPoint Energy. Payments are made in equal installments in August 1 and January.

As part of your application, you must upload the following document:

  • A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Unofficial or online transcripts must display student name, school name, grades and credit hours for each course, and term in which each course was taken.
    • High school seniors and graduates must submit an official high school transcript of grades.
    • Students currently or previously enrolled in college or vocational-technical school must include transcripts from each school attended.

One online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf.

Your application is not considered complete unless all required documents are submitted electronically.

CenterPoint Energy has partnered with Scholarship America. Selecting the button below will redirect you to the Scholarship America Student Hub!