At Craighead Electric Cooperative and Empower, investing in education is one of the ways we help strengthen the communities we serve. Each year, our scholarship programs provide opportunities for local students and members of our cooperative family as they take the next step toward their future.
This year, three outstanding students were selected to receive scholarships totaling $18,000.
Keith Blocker Memorial Scholarship | $9,000
Tyler Mitchener was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Keith Blocker Memorial Scholarship. Named in memory of longtime Craighead Electric employee Keith Blocker, the scholarship supports a student pursuing higher education and recognizes the values of hard work, dedication and service.
Tyler plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, preparing for a career that will allow him to put his problem-solving skills and passion for innovation to work.
Wired for Success Scholarship | $4,500
Cooper Clayton, a graduate of Greene County Tech High School, was selected to receive the 2026 Wired for Success Scholarship.
Cooper plans to attend Arkansas State University and pursue a future in veterinary medicine. His goals reflect a desire to build a career serving others while remaining connected to the communities and agricultural roots of Northeast Arkansas.
Cooperative Family Scholarship | $4,500
Augustus “Gus” Yearta was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Cooperative Family Scholarship. Gus is the son of Aaron Yearta, who has been part of the Craighead Electric team for 20 years.
Gus is attending Arkansas State University, where he is studying financial management with an agricultural emphasis. He plans to continue his education by earning an MBA and ultimately hopes to build a career as a loan officer serving the agricultural industry.
The Cooperative Family Scholarship is especially meaningful because it allows us to invest in the families of the employees who dedicate their careers to serving our members and communities.
We are proud to recognize Tyler, Cooper and Gus and celebrate the work they have already put into building their futures. Their paths may look different, but each represents the kind of talent, ambition and commitment we are proud to support right here at home.