By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Local students interested in entering energy-related careers have a new scholarship opportunity at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College.
Earlier this month, Atmos Energy donated $50,000 to the community college which established an endowed scholarship and qualified the donation to receive matching funds through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Endowment Match Program — meaning the total endowment will be $100,000 when fully matched. Atmos Energy serves roughly 6,200 customers in Barren County, according to Kay Coomes, manger of public affairs at Atmos Energy.
“We are profoundly grateful to Atmos Energy for establishing this $50,000 scholarship endowment,” said Heather Rogers, vice president, resource development and executive director, SKYCTC Foundation. “Their generosity will provide lasting support for students in our technical programs, helping them access high-quality education and workforce training. This endowment represents a long-term investment in the success of our students and the future of our region.”
The scholarship is designed to encourage growth in programs that directly support the energy industry, with a special emphasis on welding, electrical, and HVAC, a SKYCTC press release stated. Rogers said students will fill out the general scholarship application on the school’s website “and if they meet the criteria will be placed in the pool for [this] scholarship.” The scholarship amount varies annual but could be up to $2,200, Rogers said.
Funds may be used toward tuition, books, or other instructional materials required for students to complete a SKYCTC-approved program of study, the release stated.
