FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grand Valley Power Opens Western Colorado Community College Electric Lineworker Scholarship to All Mesa County Residents
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. – (April 21, 2021) – The Grand Valley Power Board of Directors has approved the extension of the Western Colorado Community College (WCCC) Lineworker Scholarship requirements to allow all residents of Mesa County to apply.
In the past, the WCCC Lineworker Scholarship has only been available to co-op members but has now expanded to any current resident of Mesa County. Applicants must be enrolled as full-time student at Western Colorado Community College for the upcoming academic year. GVP Communications Manager, Christmas Wharton states, “The electric lineworker trade is vital, and a skilled workforce is necessary to continue to build and maintain a reliable, safe, and modern grid. Graduates can get a job anywhere in the country because their skills are so in demand and so necessary in powering communities long into the future. Benefits will be seen locally and far beyond the Western Slope.”
Applications for the GVP WCCC Electric Lineworker Scholarship will be accepted through June 1, 2021, and can be submitted by mail, dropping hard copies at GVP’s main office or online at gvp.org/scholarship-program. Scholarship recipients are graded based on a combination of weighted criteria, including financial need, academic, volunteer or work achievements and a personal essay. While this scholarship is open to any applicant that lives in Mesa County; priority will be given to applicants who reside in households served by Grand Valley Power.
The WCCC Electric Lineworker Scholarship is a $2,000 one-time award. For questions about the scholarship program, visit gvp.org/scholarship-program, email scholarships@gvp.org or call us at 970-242-0040.
The change comes just in time to celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Month (which is in April). Grand Valley Power would like to recognize the dedicated men and women who work to power our communities 24/7. “With just 15 team members, Grand Valley Power’s linemen maintain over 1,600 miles of distribution line. When the lights go out our crews are there to restore power, no matter the conditions outdoors. They don’t stop until everyone has power back on.” Wharton said. Throughout the month of April, Grand Valley Power invites the public to write a virtual thank you note to crews. To submit a thank you card, visit gvp.org/lineworker-appreciation-day.