Fifteen Students Receive National Grid Electric Worker Scholarships
August 22, 2025
Representatives from Hudson Valley Community College, National Grid, IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 97, and the Capital Region Workforce Development Board recently gathered at National Grid headquarters in Albany to award 15 incoming and returning Hudson Valley students the National Grid Electric Worker Scholarship for the 2025-26 academic year.
Now in its second year, the scholarship assists students as they pursue their education at Hudson Valley in programs related to the electric field. National Grid is investing more than $4 billion in its upstate New York electric transmission system in the next seven years and will require about 1,700 workers, from National Grid and beyond, making recruitment for new electric line workers a priority across the industry.
The $7,000 scholarship 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 receive one-on-one mentoring from National Grid workers who will share career advice and guidance on schoolwork, as needed. The students also visit National Grid facilities for job site tours and to learn about job opportunities with the utility.
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 Overhead Electric Line Worker Certificate program. Scholarship recipients are 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 are 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.
New scholarship recipients for 2025 include 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), and Divon Williams of Albany (Albany High School). Victorious Foulks of Troy, A’zari Johnson of Troy, and Jermaine Rehm of Troy received renewal scholarships for their second year in 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 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 National Grid New York Chief of Operations, Electric, Matt Barnett. “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.”
“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,” said Capital Region Workforce Development Board Executive Director Brian Williams. “This initiative reflects our mission as the central hub linking individuals, training, and industry to power our region’s future workforce.”
"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.