For the past four years, National Grid has supported the annual Barbara V. Powell, Sr. Scholarship for Hempstead High School students. Barbara Powell was President of the Incorporated Village of Hempstead branch of the NAACP (the oldest on Long Island), for over 25 years. She was a tireless advocate for the people and a fixture in the community. She worked to provide resources and support for the underserved communities. She left behind a rich legacy and to honor her memory, the chapter provides a scholarship every year to outstanding Hempstead High School students who will study at a historically black college or university.

National Grid is proud to fund two scholarships this year for $2,500 each. They were awarded to Ryan Greene who will attend  Morgan State University and majoring in nursing and Lauren Sumpter who will be attending Hampton University and majoring in business. Both schools are historically black universities. 

Nelvie Howard, Long Island Community Manager of External Affairs for National Grid presented the scholarship at the Annual Scholarship Awards Night on June 6.

“It was a wonderful honor for me to represent National Grid along with collaborating with the Incorporated Village of Hempstead branch of the NAACP to present scholarships to two exceptional students,” said Nelvie Howard, Long Island Community Manager of External Affairs, National Grid. “Ryan and Lauren have worked very hard to prepare themselves for college and they have bright futures ahead of them.”

National Grid, the Village of Hempstead and NAACP have a strong relationship that has strengthened over the years.

“Every year National Grid and The Hempstead NAACP grant the Barbara V. Powell, Sr. Leadership Award. The Scholarship provides opportunities for students who might not otherwise afford higher education and promotes inclusivity and diversity,” said Bobbie Powell, daughter of Barbara V. Powell, Sr. “We are forever grateful to National Grid for this partnership. By investing in our students, we are making a tremendous impact on their future and the future success of our community.”

National Grid has also committed to funding and presenting next year’s scholarship winners.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.