PRPA increases annual scholarship offering

FORT COLLINS – Students interested in pursuing careers in the electric-energy industry are being encouraged to apply for Platte River Power Authority’s Roy J. Rohla Memorial Scholarship. The annual scholarship, which has been increased to $6,000, is offered through the Rocky Mountain Electric League Foundation, and applications are due by Feb. 24.

“On behalf of Platte River, I am proud to offer this scholarship for the ninth consecutive year as we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2023,” said Jason Frisbie, general manager and

CEO of PRPA, a not-for-profit, community-owned public power utility, in a prepared statement. “Supporting students who are pursuing education and careers in energy is important for the future of our organization, our region and our industry.”

Rohla, for whom the scholarship is named, served 20 years as engineering manager and plant manager at PRPA’s Rawhide Energy Station.

“Roy was a lifelong learner and encouraged his coworkers to pursue educational opportunities to enhance their understanding and further their careers,” said Frisbie. “This scholarship enables his legacy to live on in the students who share his values.”

In addition to students enrolled in a four-year university or working toward an associate degree, the scholarship also is open to graduating high school seniors interested in pursuing electrical energy studies. A number of scholarships are available through the RMEL Foundation, but applicants for the Roy Rohla scholarship must have a permanent home address within PRPA’s four owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont or Loveland.

Students who apply for any of the scholarships will be added to the National Electric Energy Career Jump Start Directory. With their permission, every applicant’s listing will be shared with hundreds of RMEL member companies, which could lead to internship or employment opportunities within the industry.

For more information and to apply, visit http://rmelfoundation.org/scholarships.

Source: BizWest