July 1, 2020 - In June, Emerald People's Utility District (EPUD) awarded $15,000 in scholarships to five local students! Each of the recipients received a scholarship of $3,000 to assist them in pursuing a utility industry career. Please join us in congratulating the 2020 EmPOWERing Scholarship winners!
Jacob Gillette – Jacob currently studies electrical and computer engineering at Oregon State University. Having completed courses in Electronics, Signals and Systems, Transmission Lines, and Operating Systems, it was Jacob's job shadow with EPUD's system engineer that sparked his interest in pursuing a utility career. With a focus in sustainable power, Jacob's ambitions also include finding ways to implement cleaner renewable energy in the future.
Austyn Wright – A graduate of Pleasant Hill High School, Austyn plans to study business at Lane Community College in the fall and see where it leads her. She understands that utility work encompasses many different fields of study. Austyn will pursue a career where she can help others and give back to the community. For this reason, the fields that interest her most are human resources, customer service, and administrative support.
Chase Olson – Chase chose Energy Management as his career goal. A student at Lane Community College, he looks forward to someday working for a utility and promoting energy efficiency to its customers. He recognizes the level of customer service involved in this profession and is eager to teach others how to save energy and money. Of all the careers Chase considered, no other "measured up to the importance, versatility, and beneficial aspects of Energy Management."
Owen Smith – It's an exciting time for Owen as he begins his pursuit of a utility career. A current student at the Northwest Lineman College, he has set his sights on a career as an electrical lineman and substation worker. Owen understands the harsh and hazardous conditions linemen face to restore power and believes "linemen are one of America's greatest unsung heroes because they are an essential part to the functionality of the world."
Samuel Baker – For Samuel, linework would be his dream come true. To pursue this career, he'll attend Vocational Outside Line Training Academy (VOLTA). Samuel has been determined to follow this path since he was a high school sophomore on a job shadow with one of EPUD's linemen. Now taking steps to make the dream a reality, Samuel's future is bright. "To provide people with such an essential thing like power would be the greatest feeling in the world."
Learn more by visiting our EmPOWERing Scholarships page.