News
August 22, 2025
National Grid and its workforce development partners held a signing ceremony for the second year, awarding 15 students its National Grid Electric Worker Scholarship. The scholarship assists students as they pursue their education at Hudson Valley Community College during the 2025-2026 academic year in programs related to the electric field.
The $7,000 scholarship, started last academic year, covers tuition, fees and books. Additionally, National Grid provides the necessary tool kits for scholars, as well as support services through its partnership with the Capital Region Workforce Development Board. Recipients will receive one-on-one mentoring from National Grid workers who will share career advice and guidance on schoolwork, as needed. The students also will be invited to visit National Grid facilities for job-site tours and to learn about job opportunities with the utility.
National Grid is investing more than $4 billion in its upstate New York electric transmission system in the next seven years. This work will require about 1,700 workers, from National Grid and beyond, making recruitment for new electric line workers a priority across the industry.
“The demand for electric line workers has increased over the past five years, both locally and across the country, and this trend will continue to grow as our current line workers retire. At the same time, the number of projects that require this kind of expertise is also rapidly increasing,” said Matt Barnett, National Grid New York Chief of Operations, Electric. “This scholarship program is an opportunity to encourage a diverse student population to enter a field that is both fulfilling and in demand. Students who graduate from Hudson Valley’s programs can look forward to well-paying and meaningful jobs, and we hope some of them will consider joining us at National Grid.”
2025 New Scholarship Recipients:
- Kacee Allah-Gavin of Ballston Spa (KIPP Troy Prep High School)
- Thashenelle Arscott of Albany (Albany High School)
- Robert Hamilton of Troy (KIPP Troy Prep High School)
- Naquasi “Quincy” Harris of Watervliet (Watervliet JR/SR High School)
- Amrin Mohima of Albany (Albany High School)
- Luis Morales III of Troy (Lansingburgh High School)
- Evan Reyes of Albany (Colonie Central High School)
- Tony Sabb of Cohoes (Cohoes High School)
- Michael Sealey of Troy (Watervliet JR/SR High School)
- Anthony Zhani Taylor of Albany (Green Tech High Charter School)
- Markese Weise of Colonie (Colonie Central High School)
- Divon Williams of Albany (Albany High School)
2024 Renewal Scholarship Recipients:
- Victorious Foulks of Troy
- A’zari Johnson of Troy
- Jermaine Rehm of Troy
Several National Grid team members and representatives of Hudson Valley Community College, IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 97, and the Capital Region Workforce Development Board gathered at National Grid headquarters in Albany this week to celebrate the students as they signed commitment letters to join the program.
“I am thrilled to congratulate the recipients of this year’s National Grid Electric Work Scholarship,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Dr. Michael Brophy.” Our faculty and academic leaders have collaborated with National Grid for many years to successfully train a skilled workforce, and we are very grateful to have this program offered to our students for a second consecutive year. These scholarships are more than just financial awards – they signify the positive impact that each student will have on the future of the electrical industry.”
“The Capital Region Workforce Development Board and our Career Centers are proud to partner with National Grid and HVCC to ensure these scholars have not just business-driven career training, but the mentoring and wrap-around support they need to thrive,” states Brian Williams, Executive Director of the Capital Region Workforce Development Board. “This initiative reflects our mission as the central hub linking individuals, training, and industry to power our region’s future workforce.”
To be eligible, students must be enrolled either part-time or full-time in Hudson Valley Community College’s Electrical Construction Maintenance AOS degree program or its Overhead Electric Line Worker Certificate program.
Scholarship recipients were selected based on academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, unusual personal or family circumstances (if applicable), and financial need. In addition, applicants were asked to write a statement about why they are pursuing a degree in Electrical Construction Maintenance AOS or certification as an Overhead Electric Line Worker.
“Programs like the National Grid Electric Worker Scholarship are a win-win for our community. They open doors for students to gain the skills and education needed for good-paying, in-demand jobs, while also helping meet our region’s growing workforce needs. I look forward to seeing these students succeed in their careers,” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh.
“These scholarships aren’t just making a higher education more accessible and affordable. They’re workforce development in action, providing students with mentorship and training opportunities that will help them transition smoothly into a rewarding career. These jobs are in demand, and I’m grateful for this fruitful partnership between National Grid and HVCC,” said Senator Jake Ashby.
2025-08-22 21:49:00