August 30, 2021

Making Back to School Better

Locally-based national subcontractor, Power Design, takes every opportunity to empower and grow tomorrow’s leaders. From supporting mentorship programs and pushing for legislative changes, to creating their own federally approved ‘PowerU’ apprenticeship program at no cost to students, bringing more youth into the workforce is the driver.

To further support these efforts, the company recently launched its ‘Rise High’ Scholarship Program, available to the children of eligible Power Design employees. “Our company-paid apprenticeship program has been providing trade leadership opportunities for some time now,” said Chief People and Culture Officer, Marlene Velez. “We’re excited to add college education support to help the next generation of our Power Design family members.”

Any full-time employee with Power Design for two years or more was qualified to have their child apply child through Scholarship America. Submissions required transcripts, recommendations and essays for the chance to win $5,000 towards the next calendar school year.

There were five winners selected for the year including students from across the country. Four out of five winners cited the medical field as their intended career path, with a total of $25,000 provided by Power Design.

“My goal since middle school was to graduate college debt-free,” said Kailee Kepler, attending Northwestern University in the fall. “After being awarded the Rise High scholarship, I am that much closer to my goal!”

While apprenticeship costs are primarily covered for students entering the trades, those pursuing traditional college education are facing surmounting costs. Scholarships and grants offer multiple sources of support for parents and students. “We’re excited to add ‘Rise High’ to our continuing education efforts and look forward to helping new students each year as the program grows,” Velez added.

Read below to learn more about what it means to a few of our Rise High Scholarship recipients to be awarded assistance for their upcoming, full-time undergraduate studies!