DEED Lineworker and Technical Education Scholarship
Offered by American Public Power Association
About This Scholarship
The American Public Power Association (APPA) represents the roughly 2,000 community-owned, not-for-profit electric utilities that power about 55 million Americans. Through its DEED program — Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments — the association funds research, internships, and student scholarships that build the public power workforce.
The DEED Lineworker and Technical Education Scholarship pays $2,000 directly to the student's institution and runs on two cycles each year: a spring cycle from December 1 to February 15 and a fall cycle from August 1 to October 15. It supports students attending accredited vocational institutions, lineworker schools, or two- to four-year colleges and universities in the United States — a deliberately broad definition that covers everything from powerline technician certificates to engineering technology degrees.
The distinctive requirement is sponsorship: applicants must be sponsored by a DEED member utility, typically the municipal electric utility serving their community. That extra step filters out casual applicants, so students willing to contact their local public power utility often face thin competition for a meaningful award in a high-demand trade.
Eligibility
- Attending or planning to attend an accredited vocational institution, lineworker school, or two- to four-year college/university in the U.S.
- Must not be graduating within 12 months of the application deadline
- Must be sponsored by a DEED member utility (typically your local public power utility)
- Award is paid directly to the student's institution
How To Apply
- Email [email protected] to request login credentials for the web-based application site, secure sponsorship from a DEED member utility, and submit the application with official transcripts by the cycle deadline (fall cycle closes October 15; spring cycle runs December 1 to February 15).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be sponsored by a DEED member utility?
A public power utility that participates in APPA's DEED research program must agree to sponsor your application. Start by contacting your community-owned electric utility and asking whether it is a DEED member.
Can the scholarship be used for lineworker school?
Yes. The award is specifically designed for lineworker schools and other vocational and technical programs, as well as two- and four-year colleges, and the $2,000 is paid directly to your institution.
How often can I apply?
There are two application cycles every year — December 1 through February 15, and August 1 through October 15.