BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP) has named the 2025 recipients of two NRLP scholarship programs that support students pursuing higher education and careers in the energy industry. The NRLP Scholarship for incoming first-year App State students and the newly established NRLP Lineworker Scholarship were both awarded this spring.

The NRLP Scholarship, established in 1988, supports incoming first-year students at App State who are Watauga County residents. The award recognizes students who demonstrate academic promise, leadership potential and a commitment to their local community. This year, five students were selected to receive the $4,000 scholarship for the 2025–26 academic year. The award is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate work.

The NRLP Scholarship recipients:

• Samuel Broman-Fulks
• Kaye Marion Campbell
• Alexis Edgerton
• Dominic Trez
• Callan Riordan

“Investing in the future of our local students is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back to our community,” said Matthew Makdad, NRLP general manager. “We’re proud to support these students as they begin their journeys at App State.”

In addition to the first-year scholarship, NRLP awarded its inaugural Lineworker Scholarship this year, which supports individuals pursuing a career in the electric utility industry. The scholarship, available to all graduating Watauga High School or Watauga Innovation Academy seniors, provides financial assistance to local students enrolling in Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Electrical Lineworker Institute. Two recipients were selected for the 2025 award cycle.

The NRLP Lineworker Scholarship recipients:

• Noah Dishman
• Seth Greene 

“With growing demand for skilled utility workers, the NRLP Lineworker Scholarship helps reduce barriers for individuals entering the field,” Makdad said. “Lineworkers play a critical role in keeping our power system safe and reliable, and we’re excited to help the next generation get started.”

NRLP’s scholarship programs reflect the utility’s ongoing commitment to education, workforce development and public service.

To learn more about NRLP and its scholarship programs, visit nrlp.appstate.edu.

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NRLP scholarship programs

App State's New River Light and Power (NRLP) offers two scholarship programs that support local students pursuing higher education and careers in the energy industry. The electric utility also contributes approximately $650,000 annually to the university’s general scholarship fund. Learn more about NRLP scholarships.

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App State New River Light and Power scholarship supports aspiring lineworkers in Watauga County

2025 application deadline is April 10

Feb. 10, 2025

App State’s New River Light has partnered with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute to establish the NRLP Lineworker Scholarship, which supports graduating seniors from Watauga High School and Watauga Innovation Academy who take part in the college’s Electrical Lineworker Institute.

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About App State's New River Light and Power

For 110 years, New River Light and Power (NRLP) — a nonprofit electric utility operated by Appalachian State University — has provided reliable power to residents of Western North Carolina. The utility currently serves approximately 9,000 residential and commercial customers in and around Boone, including the university. NRLP is dedicated to expanding access to higher education, contributing approximately $650,000 annually to the university’s general scholarship fund. Additionally, the utility awards NRLP scholarships to support graduating Watauga County high school seniors pursuing an App State education, as well as those interested in pursuing a career in linework. NRLP holds the American Public Power Association’s Reliable Public Power Provider and Smart Energy Provider designations, recognizing its commitment to safety, efficiency, renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Learn more about App State’s New River Light and Power at https://nrlp.appstate.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, cost-effective education. 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.