Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Luminant Scholar Program?
A: The Luminant Scholar Program is an essay-writing competition designed to bring greater environmental protection awareness to elementary students across Texas.
One winning fifth-grade student from each selected school district will receive a $1,000 United States Savings Bond. Luminant will then select the top three winning essays and award a $5,000 grant to the schools representing the grand-prize entries.
In total, Luminant will award tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to Texas students this fall.
Q: When are scholarships awarded?
A: The contest will kick off in August 2011, and scholarships will be awarded through December 2011.
Q: Do all schools within selected districts participate?
A: We encourage district-wide participation in the program.
Q: What do selected fifth-grade teachers need to do?
A: Our hope is that fifth-grade teachers will devote some classroom time to the environment, and each participating student will write a one-page essay under the theme "How can I help protect the environment?" Overviews on protecting the environment, along with an essay form, are available on this Web site as resources for teachers. The winning essay should be selected no later than one week before the scheduled award ceremony.
Q: How are district winners chosen?
A: We recommend that each fifth-grade teacher select the best essay — one that shows the thoughtful consideration for and awareness of protecting the environment — from his/her class. The winning essay for the district will be selected by a representative of the district's choosing. To view examples of winning essays, click here.
Q: How are the $1,000 United States Savings Bonds awarded?
A: Luminant officials will coordinate with selected districts to schedule a brief award ceremony at the winning school. Luminant also will invite the local state senator and state representative to participate. At the ceremony, Luminant representatives and elected officials participating will award the winning student with a $1,000 United States Savings Bond. Students from the winning class also will receive a Luminant Scholar "Making Texas Shine" T-shirt.
Q: How are the three $5,000 school grants selected?
A: In December, a Luminant representative will judge all winning entries to select three grand prize winners. The three elementary schools representing the winning entries will receive a $5,000 grant from Luminant.
Q: Are teaching materials available?
A: Yes, classroom materials on the importance of protecting the environment plus a blank essay form for students to use are available.
Q: Where should I send our school district’s winning essay?
A: Please fax the winning essay to 214-812-3642.
Q: How can my district be selected for the Luminant Scholar Program?
A: Currently, the Luminant Scholar Program is limited to selected Texas school districts. If you are interested in learning more about the program, email Luminant.Scholar@luminant.com.
Q: How can I learn more?
A: If you have additional questions or would like to request more information, please e-mail Luminant.Scholar@luminant.com.