DEED Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by American Public Power Association
Overview
DEED provides funding to help students pursue energy-related careers through scholarships, paid internships, and research grants. Programs focus on supporting lineworker and other technical education paths that are in high demand by electric utilities, while internships place students with participating DEED member utilities for hands-on experience. Information about scholarship options, career videos, and job openings is available through the organization’s resources and partners. Prospective applicants should review program requirements and contact DEED for application access.
- Three program types: scholarships, internships, and research grants.
- Emphasis on lineworker and technical education for public power utilities.
- Resources include career videos and a job board for openings.
Eligibility
Student applicants must be enrolled in or planning to attend an accredited vocational institution, lineworker school, or a two- to four-year college or university in the United States. Applicants must not be graduating within 12 months of the application deadline. Some programs require sponsorship or placement by a DEED member utility; check each program’s specific eligibility rules. International or non-accredited institution applicants should not assume eligibility without confirmation.
Eligibility: Accredited U.S. vocational or degree programs; not graduating within 12 months; program-specific sponsor or placement requirements may apply.
- U.S.-based accredited institutions only.
- Graduation must be more than 12 months after the deadline.
- DEED member utility sponsorship may be required for certain awards.
Application Directions
DEED runs two application cycles per year with deadlines in February and October. Applicants must request login credentials by emailing [email protected] to begin the web-based application, and must submit official transcripts and the completed application by the deadline. Utilities can consult the Utility Guide for Internship Funding to learn how to apply to host an intern. Review each program’s checklist and application questions before starting to ensure a complete submission.
Application Timeline: Two cycles annually — Spring (application window begins December 1 with a February deadline) and Fall (application window begins August 1 with an October deadline).
- Two annual cycles: spring and fall with consistent deadlines.
- Request application access via [email protected].
- Official transcripts required at time of submission.
Lineworker and Technical Education Scholarships
These scholarships fund students pursuing lineworker and technical careers that serve electric utilities. A DEED member utility must sponsor the scholarship application, and applicants should consult the program checklist and application questions before applying. Awards are paid directly to the student’s institution and support tuition or program costs. Review eligibility and sponsorship requirements closely, as they are essential for consideration.
Description: Scholarships for lineworker and other technical education programs in high-demand utility fields.
Award Value: $2,000 per scholarship, paid directly to the student’s university.
Application Timeline: Spring cycle opens December 1 with a February deadline; Fall cycle opens August 1 with an October deadline.
- Requires sponsorship by a DEED member utility.
- $2,000 award applied to the student’s institution.
- Two application cycles per year; follow checklist for a complete submission.
Student Internships
DEED-supported internships place students with participating member utilities for paid, practical work experience. Internships are intended to develop job-ready skills and may include funding to attend relevant conferences. Utilities and students should review internship requirements and application questions to confirm eligibility and details of host placements. Funding supports both compensation and limited travel for professional development.
Description: Paid internships with participating DEED member utilities to provide hands-on experience in public power operations.
Award Value: $4,000 plus up to $1,000 in travel funds to attend an applicable conference.
Application Timeline: Spring cycle opens December 1 with a February deadline; Fall cycle opens August 1 with an October deadline.
- Paid placements with DEED member utilities.
- $4,000 stipend plus up to $1,000 travel support for conference attendance.
- Applications follow the same spring and fall cycles as scholarships.