La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) has awarded $88,000 in scholarships to five high school seniors to support their higher education goals. This year, the cooperative received 42 applications, with recipients selected based on merit by a volunteer committee of 7 local representatives from LPEA's service territory. 

“At LPEA, we believe that investing in education is an investment in the future of our community,” said Chris Hansen, CEO of LPEA. “These scholarships are one way we support and empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals who will shape the future of our local workforce. We’re proud to stand behind these outstanding students as they take their next steps.” 

LPEA Scholarship ($28,000)

Silvie Bosmans, from Durango High School, who will study Environmental Engineering, said, "The power of community moves us forward." 

Violet Mazenko, from Durango High School, set to study mechanical electrical engineering at Colorado School of Mines, added, "This scholarship means so much to me because it helps my dreams of attending Colorado School of Mines and being a woman in the engineering field. I am so incredibly thankful for this opportunity.” 

John Voelker Memorial Scholarship ($10,000)

Connor Thein, from Durango High School, studying Mechanical Engineering, at Colorado School of Mines, commented, "Receiving this scholarship means a lot. It will help me pay for my college attendance, which will prepare me for the future and allow me to help create a better world. 

Dylan Timmerman from Durango High School, studying Engineering at Fort Lewis College, remarked, “Receiving the John Voelker Memorial Scholarship is a great opportunity for me because now I can continue studying in a place I love.” 

LPEA Lineworker Scholarship ($12,000)

Owen Arias from Animas High School, preparing for lineworker school at Colorado Mesa University, said, “Thank you so much for this scholarship, allowing me to grow and expand my talents into new horizons. This opportunity takes so much stress off me and my family and will make a great difference in getting me into the workforce and being in the field.”  

The LPEA Scholarship, John Voelker Memorial Scholarship, and LPEA Lineworker Scholarship are funded by LPEA's Unclaimed Capital Credit funds. LPEA, a not-for-profit utility, allocates these funds from excess payments made by members, which, if unclaimed, support community initiatives like these scholarships.  

In addition to the LPEA Scholarship, LPEA’s power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, awarded two $500 scholarships to Edward Herrera of Bayfield High School and Audrey Roderick of Ignacio High School. 

Applications are still being accepted for the LPEA Lineworker Scholarship, which provides $12,000 for training in electrical linework at any accredited institution in the U.S. The application is available at lpea.coop/scholarships.