Over the past 13 years, the IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) has awarded $4.6 million in scholarships to undergraduate students in North America studying energy engineering as part of its Scholarship Plus initiative.
PES increased the scholarship amount to $10,000 this year, up from $7,000. Recipients who do not have to be IEEE members are eligible for financial support for up to three years, but must reapply each year. They can apply for a scholarship already in the first year.
The scholarship is funded by donors. The increase is thanks in part to a $1 million donation from the Hoveida Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
If recipients continue to qualify, they will receive $2,000 in each of the first two years and $3,000 in the third.
PES scholars are mentored by leading experts in the energy and engineering industries. They also receive a free annual student membership to IEEE and the Society.
“The amount hasn’t changed since the program was established (in 2011), but the cost of education has increased, so we wanted to make sure that recipients get more financial support,” says Daniel Toland, PES director of operations.
Scholarship eligibility extended
The company also made other changes to the program based on feedback from supporters and donors. Previously, recipients had to study in energy and power engineering, but according to survey respondents, the industry needs engineers with experience in all areas of IEEE interest—not just power and energy—to meet its staffing needs.
The program is now open to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in other IEEE-designated power and energy areas of interest. These include electrical, civil, computer, environmental and mechanical engineering; computer science; Data analytics; renewable energy; and sustainability studies.
“The main goal of the program has always been to get as many undergraduates as possible involved in energy and power engineering,” says Toland.
Students can apply online from January 20 to April 30. To learn more, email pes-scholarship-info@ieee.org.