Northern Wasco County PUD is proud to support the next generation of utility industry professionals through our Board Scholarship Program. We believe every student who’s willing to work hard and pursue their goals deserves a shot — you don’t need a perfect GPA or a long list of honors to apply. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have a passion for building a career that could benefit the utility industry, we want to hear from you. This scholarship is about giving local students a real opportunity to further their education, especially those who might not see themselves as the “typical” scholarship candidate.
Award Details
Our Board Scholarship Committee will select three students to each receive a $10,000 scholarship, distributed in two equal payments at the beginning of their first and second years of schooling. This significant investment in education is available to students within the PUD service territory whose parents or guardians receive a Northern Wasco County PUD bill and who:
- Will graduate high school, complete homeschooling, or receive their GED in the current school year
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Plan to pursue a career that could benefit the utility industry
- Plan to attend a community college, university, line worker college, or other vocational training program
Career Paths & Fields of Study
The utility industry is vast and growing. We welcome applicants interested in a broad range of fields, including but not limited to:
- Line work & skilled trades – line workers, electricians, tree trimming, equipment operation
- Engineering – electrical, civil, mechanical, and environmental engineering
- Renewable energy & sustainability – solar, wind, hydropower, energy efficiency programs
- Information technology & cybersecurity – smart grid technology, network systems, data analytics
- Business & finance – accounting, project management, supply chain, economics
- Communications & public relations – community outreach, marketing, media
- Customer service & human resources – workforce development, training, labor relations
- Policy & regulatory affairs – energy policy, government relations, compliance
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a complete application package including:
- A personal essay or video: Share your career aspirations and your connection to the utility industry. You may submit either:
- A written essay (maximum 1,000 words), or
- A 3-minute video of yourself discussing the same topics (video must feature you in real life — animated or AI-generated videos will not be accepted)
- A certified high school transcript or GED certificate
- A current resume outlining your activities and work experience
- Two letters of recommendation
Essays and videos should be original work that reflects your authentic voice and personal experiences. Submissions created using AI tools will not be considered.
Through this scholarship program, we aim to nurture local talent and create pathways for students to build rewarding careers in the utility sector. We know that potential doesn’t always show up in a grade point average — it shows up in drive, curiosity, and the willingness to show up and do the work. If that sounds like you, don’t count yourself out. Apply.
If you have any questions regarding the NWCPUD Board Scholarship, please contact public-relations@nwascopud.org.