Your Future's So Bright!

MRES has established a scholarship program to assist high school seniors with full-time educational pursuits that are related to the electric industry. Each year MRES awards up to 12 scholarships in two categories: undergraduate studies and powerline/lineworker programs. See below for more details on each scholarship.

The application process for the 2025 scholarship program is now open. Apply today using the links below! The deadline to apply is March 14, 2025.

Above is an example of the marketing materials MRES members can download from the members-only section to promote the scholarship program in their communities and local schools.

1) Scholarships for Full-Time Undergraduate Studies

Up to five (5) scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded to high school seniors who meet the following qualifications:

  • Must reside in a household receiving electric service from one of the 61 MRES member utilities. Residence eligibility may be verified by calling the city utility office or by clicking here for a list of MRES member communities. Eligible high schools are designated by MRES.
  • Must enroll in a *full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school no later than the fall of 2025.

Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing courses of study for careers related to the electric industry, such as an electrical technician (field service technician, wind turbine maintenance, power plant maintenance, etc.), electrical engineer or other engineering disciplines, mathematics, science, energy management, or other related fields such as accounting, communications or economics. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years for $1,000 each year.

2) Scholarships for Students in a Powerline/Lineworker Program

Up to seven (7) scholarships of $2,000 each are awarded to students who meet the following qualifications:

  • Must enroll in a full-time* electrical lineworker or powerline program at an eligible technical college no later than the fall of the current year.

Eligible technical colleges include the following:

  • Bismarck State College — Bismarck, North Dakota
  • Dakota County Technical College — Rosemount, Minnesota
  • Minnesota West Community and Technical College — Granite Falls, Minnesota
  • Minnesota West Community and Technical College — Jackson, Minnesota
  • Minnesota State Community and Technical College — Wadena, Minnesota
  • Mitchell Technical College — Mitchell, South Dakota
  • Northwest Iowa Community College — Sheldon, Iowa

Powerline/Lineworker scholarships are one-time only and not renewable. Applicants do not need to reside in a household receiving electric service from an MRES member utility.

*Full-time study is defined as full-time enrollment for the entire academic year.


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