App State New River Light and Power lineworker Ryan Cox works to restore power as part of the Hurricane Helene recovery effort. Photo by Mariana Greene
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP) has partnered with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) to establish a lineworker scholarship for graduating seniors from Watauga High School and Watauga Innovation Academy. This scholarship program supports students pursuing a career in linework, helping to build the next generation of utility professionals.
The NRLP Lineworker Scholarship aims to address the growing need for skilled lineworkers in the electric utility industry by providing financial assistance to local students for tuition, tools and other program expenses for CCC&TI’s Electrical Lineworker Institute, which is offered a few times each year.
“This scholarship is an investment in our community and future workforce,” said Hank Foreman, vice chancellor of external affairs and strategic initiatives at App State. “Our partnership with CCC&TI provides local students with a direct pathway into a vital industry, helping to build a stronger and more resilient regional economy.”
Linework is a high-demand field, with retirements outpacing new workers and a projected 8% growth rate from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 10,700 openings for lineworkers are projected each year, on average, over the decade, the bureau reports. And lineworkers are essential to maintaining infrastructure and keeping communities connected. During crises, such as the recent hurricane experienced in the High Country, their work is critical to restoring power and stability for residents.
“We’re excited to partner with New River Light and Power on this scholarship initiative for our Electrical Lineworker program,” said Dr. Mark Poarch, CCC&TI president. “Now more than ever, our community understands the importance of having a highly skilled workforce to keep the lights on and to keep our communities safe during difficult situations. Offering this scholarship will allow more students interested in a utilities career to enroll in the program and will help CCC&TI continue to educate and prepare talented students for work in the field.
“We greatly appreciate New River Power and Light’s generous support of our students and the Electrical Lineworker program and look forward to our continued partnership,” Poarch added.
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including graduation from Watauga High School or Watauga Innovation Academy and enrollment in CCC&TI’s Electrical Lineworker Institute. The scholarship will be awarded based on student need and demonstrated interest in the linework field. The deadline to apply is April 10. Recipients will be notified by May 22.
For more information about the NRLP Lineworker Scholarship, including applications and requirements, visit nrlp.appstate.edu/community or contact [email protected].
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About App State's New River Light and Power
For more than 100 years, Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP) — a nonprofit electric utility operated by the Division of Finance and Operations — has provided power to Western North Carolina residents. Today, NRLP serves nearly 9,000 residential and commercial customers who reside in and near the town of Boone. In January 2022, the utility began purchasing its electricity from Carolina Power Partners — a partnership that opens greater renewable energy opportunities. In partnership with App State’s Office of Sustainability, Facilities Operations and Renewable Energy Initiative, NRLP has assisted with various energy efficiency projects across campus, including installing solar panels and providing funding for the Broyhill Wind Turbine located on Bodenheimer Drive. The utility holds the American Public Power Association’s Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation for providing reliable and safe electric service, and approximately $650,000 of its budget is reserved annually for contributions to App State’s general scholarship fund. Learn more at https://nrlp.appstate.edu.
About CCC&TI
With campuses in Boone and Hudson, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) provides exceptional educational programs and services for the people of Caldwell and Watauga counties and beyond. CCC&TI’s mission it to enhance student learning, support economic and workforce development and diverse services and opportunities that improve the quality of life for everyone in our community. As an equal opportunity educator and employer, CCC&TI is proud to be an open-door institution offering “educational opportunities for all” through a wide variety of curriculum, continuing education, adult education, and career training programs. Learn more at https://cccti.edu/.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
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