Ready to Rise Scholarships to Power Your Path
by Tanya Marchun, Communication Specialist
It is a big ask for a 17- or 18-year-old to know which path to take after high school. For many, college or trade school offers opportunities to explore exciting new avenues. Paying for college, though, can present a challenge for students and parents alike. To help students power their academic path, Grand Valley Power offers 10 amazing scholarships for trade school programs and undergraduate degrees. These awards are funded by unclaimed CashBack Credit checks sent to members when the board chooses to retire member patronage capital. When a member doesn’t cash their check, the money eventually makes its way into a fund that the cooperative uses to help hardworking, passionate students reach their educational goals.
Through March 1, GVP is accepting applications for these scholarships from students who live in our service territory. A total of $23,500 will be awarded for the 2026-2027 school year. For application requirements, visit gvp.org/scholarship-program. A committee comprised of retired educators and members of the cooperative evaluate and choose the recipients based on criteria such as an original essay.
While reviewing the scholarship opportunities, consider these important factors to include in the written essay that will make your application rise to the top: Learn from the people who live and work around you. Connecting with local businesses, nonprofits, or civic groups can open doors to many opportunities. Building connections can also lead to internships, apprenticeships, and jobs. The more chances you have to build a network of people who know and support you as a student, friend, and future employee, the better. Do not shy away from building relationships and networking. You never know where an opportunity may begin.
Explore internships and apprenticeships. If you are interested in a certain type of work, pursue an internship or apprenticeship in that field. It will provide insight and knowledge of the industry that you might not have otherwise known. Internships and apprenticeships are powerful tools to help you recognize the career path you truly want, or don’t want, and build meaningful relationships along the way.
Get involved locally. Community engagement matters. Scholarship committees, potential schools, and employers take note of community engagement. Engagement shows leadership, commitment, initiative, and compassion. Whether it is student council, National Honor Society, volunteering with the Mesa County Library, working with a robotics team, or helping in your church, the opportunities to engage with your community are endless. And these passions and hobbies provide a glimpse into what makes you YOU.
As you sit down to write your scholarship essay, highlight how you are involved in the community, what volunteer and leadership experience you have, and what unique opportunities you have taken advantage of. Nothing says, “I am ready!” more than a well-rounded and passionate student excited to share their talents and gifts with the world.