National Grid is accepting applications for its Electric Worker Scholarship program, which is designed to assist students as they pursue their education at Hudson Valley Community College and explore careers as electrical workers.

The scholarship will cover tuition, fees, books, and tools. Recipients also will receive one-on-one mentoring from National Grid electric workers who will share career advice and guidance on school work. Through the program, National Grid demonstrates its commitment to the students’ academic success and their future careers.

The need for a skilled electric workforce is critical as electricity demand increases. National Grid, through its Upstate Upgrade initiative, will be investing more than $4 billion in its upstate New York electric transmission system through 2030. The upgrades will create about 1,700 jobs, making recruitment for new electric workers a priority for the utility.

“The demand for electric line workers has increased over the past five years, both locally and across the country, and this trend will continue to grow as a portion of our current line workers move into retirement,” said Matt Barnett, National Grid NY COO Electric. “At the same time, the number of projects that require this kind of expertise is also rapidly increasing. National Grid sees this scholarship program as an opportunity to encourage a diverse group of students to enter a field that is both fulfilling and in demand. Students who graduate from Hudson Valley’s programs can look forward to well-paying and meaningful jobs, and we hope some of them will consider joining us at National Grid.”

The scholarship was awarded for the first time last year to six students who are currently attending classes.

“I am happy to be a part of the National Grid Scholarship program because it’s more than a Scholarship,” said 2024 Scholarship award-winner and Hudson Valley Community College student Victorious Foulks, “National Grid is not only funding my academic future, they have a team that supports all of the scholars in their program, whether by mentoring and teaching their expertise or career exploration at the company. They make me feel like the sky is the limit and I can succeed, and they are here to see it through.”

Hudson Valley Community College's Officer in Charge Louis Coplin said, “National Grid’s Electric Worker Scholarship program provides an exceptional opportunity for Hudson Valley students pursuing careers in the electrical industry. Our faculty members and academic leaders have collaborated with National Grid for many years to successfully train a skilled workforce, and this scholarship program provides a significant boost to our recruitment and retention initiatives. I share my sincere appreciation with National Grid for its commitment to the college and its students, and for providing the necessary resources, mentorship and real-world experience to guarantee they have every opportunity to succeed in college and build a career in a high-demand field in our region."

To be eligible, students must be enrolled either part time or full time in Hudson Valley Community College’s Electrical Construction Maintenance (AOS) degree program or its Overhead Electric Line Worker Certificate program.

Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, unusual personal or family circumstances (if applicable), and financial need. In addition, applicants are asked to write a statement about why they are pursuing a degree in Electrical Construction Maintenance (AOS) or certification as an Overhead Electric Line Worker.

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.