Operation Round Up: The Spirit of Community
Since its founding in 1945, Kiamichi Electric Cooperative (KEC) has embodied the cooperative spirit, improving the quality of life for residents in rural southeastern Oklahoma. The KEC Foundation’s Operation Round-Up program carries forward this mission, enabling KEC members to help neighbors and strengthen communities.
What Is Operation Round-Up?
Operation Round-Up is a community outreach program funded by KEC members who voluntarily round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. This small change—averaging just 50¢ per month or $6 annually—creates significant impact in the communities KEC serves.
Funds are administered by 5 volunteer trustees representing the counties within KEC’s service area. These funds support individuals and nonprofit agencies in Latimer, LeFlore, Pittsburg, northern Atoka, and northern Pushmataha Counties.
How Operation Round-Up Helps
Operation Round-Up focuses on addressing needs that other resources cannot meet, targeting the following areas:
Health
Helping families cope with emergencies, illness, and special medical/dental needs.
Community and Emergency Services
Aiding community and emergency service providers in their effort to improve the quality of life for neighbors and supporting the health, safety, and well-being of residents in area communities.
Youth/Senior Citizens
Assisting community youth organizations and activities that promote good citizenship, as well as providing assistance to programs that serve the area’s senior citizens.
How to Apply
Applications for assistance are available at the KEC office in Wilburton or can be downloaded by accessing the KEC online applications:
For more information feel free to Contact Us or email KEC with any questions.
Scholarships
Applications due April 1st!
Scholarships Criteria
Recipients must be:
Members of the Kiamichi Electric Cooperative or live in the household of a KEC member.
Enrolled in a state-accredited community college.
Full-time student of such a college or university, enrolled in 12 hours or more per semester.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.8 in their major area of concentration.
Funding will only be used for tuition costs and books.
Operation Round Up (ORU) Board of Trustees will select recipients based on these criteria:
Financial Need
Leadership Skills
Grade Point Average
Participation in extra-curricular activities
Ready To Apply?
Start by filling out the application:
Apply Now - Traditional ScholarshipStart by filling out the application:
Apply Now - Non-Traditional ScholarshipEmpowering Students to Shine
The KEC Foundation has launched the Student of the Month program to recognize and encourage academic excellence, leadership, and positive behavior among students. Open to students within its service territory, the program highlights one outstanding student each month based on academic performance, attendance, extracurricular participation, and acts of kindness.
More About the KEC Student of the Month Program
Coats for Kids: Keeping Kids Warm
The Kiamichi Electric Foundation’s Coats for Kids program ensures children in need stay warm and comfortable during the cold winter months. This initiative, supported by Operation Round-Up donations, provides new winter coats for children across the KEC service area.
Impact Beyond Warmth
Boosting Confidence
A warm coat symbolizes care and support, giving children the confidence to face the colder months.
Ensuring Health & Activity
It allows children to stay healthy, attend school, and participate in outdoor activities without the fear of being cold.
Relieving Family Burdens
Families facing financial hardship can focus on other essential needs knowing their children are warm.
Make a Difference
Programs like Operation Round-Up and Coats for Kids rely on the generosity of KEC members. By participating, you’re not just rounding up your bill—you’re creating opportunities, fostering community, and directly impacting lives.