To encourage students from all parts of New York to pursue STEM careers, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) recently announced $10,000 college scholarships for 20 academically accomplished New York high school students. NYPA’s Future Energy Leaders scholarship program provides support to high-achieving students of color interested in four-year degrees that will prepare them for careers in the energy industry. In total, NYPA has awarded college scholarships to 70 students statewide since the program began in 2021.
“The Power Authority is committed to cultivating a skilled clean energy workforce and ensuring a pipeline of qualified professionals who can bring innovative solutions to the challenges of energy production, transmission and sustainability,” said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “By supporting STEM education among students of color in environmental justice communities through the Future Energy Leaders program, NYPA can help diversify the energy industry and increase the number of highly educated and career-ready professionals that will make up the next generation of engineers, scientists and technologists.”
This year’s recipients were inducted at the 2025 Future Energy Leaders Conference on June 7 at the IBM Center in Armonk. The event, themed “Eyes on the Prize – Aspirations. Resilience. Perseverance,” included remarks from Driscoll and messages of support from NYPA trustees Bethaida Gonzales and Laurie Wheelock, NYPA program representatives and Donald Ruff, CEO, Eagle Academy Foundation.
“The New York Power Authority is at the forefront of building a robust and inclusive clean energy workforce by empowering students from underserved communities who show passion for STEM careers with tools and support,” said Gonzalez. “The Future Energy Leaders scholarship program enables students to unlock their full potential. Through this scholarship, these rising leaders have the opportunity to individually achieve their academic goals and to be part of a more diverse and innovative utility industry for decades to come.”
“Engaging students from disadvantaged communities in New York’s energy transformation is not just a commitment—it’s a necessity for building a sustainable and equitable future,” said Wheelock.
The scholarships are awarded to academically accomplished and underrepresented high school seniors who are enrolled in a four-year college for the semester immediately following graduation with the intention of pursuing STEM related majors. They must reside in New York state, be in good academic standing and express an interest in working toward careers related to the energy industry.
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80% of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.
