Energy Scholarship Fund FAQ
1) How much should we contribute to the Scholarship fund?
We welcome contributions of any size. Naturally, larger investments enable us to support more students as they pursue careers in the energy field.
2) How will the Get Into Energy Scholarship Funds be promoted?
CEWD will conduct its own promotional outreach to thousands of educators with whom we work on energy education and community-based organizations that are essential to our work. In addition, Scholarship America, the largest scholarship administrator in the country, will use its platform to promote the availability of scholarships.
3) Will our company be involved in the selection of scholarship recipients if we contribute to the Scholarship Fund?
Because contributions to the Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund are charitable, after a contribution is made, the contributor is unable to be involved in the selection of the awards. Scholarship America will review applications and determine selections based on the program’s eligibility criteria, which prioritizes a candidate’s financial circumstances, the strength of their statement for how the program will support them in their learning journeys towards an energy career, and personal circumstances that suggest an award would be particularly impactful in helping the individual access the selected program. However, if an organization would like to start a new scholarship under the GIE Scholarship Fund umbrella (as opposed to contributing to a sub-fund), they could determine eligibility criteria for that scholarship program to meet their needs. Because that new scholarship program would be a part of the GIE Scholarship Fund, it would also have the 1st year of administrative fees waived by Scholarship America (see below).
4) What percentage of contributions will be given to students?
In the 1st year of the Scholarship Fund, 100% of contributions will be given to students in the form of scholarship assistance or emergency aid to help them complete their programs. The administrative and outreach costs to operate the Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund have been generously supported by Invest in Our Future. After the 1st year, contributions may go to both scholarships as well as administrative costs. All contributions will be made to Scholarship America, which will handle the administration of awards.
5) Can CEWD and/or Scholarship America help us create our own energy-focused scholarship program?
Yes! If you are interested in creating a distinct scholarship fund to support pathways to the energy workforce in a way that meets your organization’s specific goals, please reach out to Maya Goodwin ([email protected]). We encourage contributions to the existing planned funds in order to amplify the reach of those programs, but we also understand that organizations may have specific priorities that would be better tailored to a different fund.
6) How many scholarships will be awarded?
We hope to raise sufficient funds for the 1st year of the program to support at least 100 new scholarship awards (in the range of $3,000-$8,000 awards), plus additional emergency aid grants. Additionally, the Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund aims to integrate existing energy-focused scholarship programs and inspire additional programs, which will supplement the goal of 100 awards.
7) When will the program be open to applicants?
The Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund is slated to open its first round of applications in Fall 2026, pending the availability of funds. The intent is to have future rounds of awards as well. We intend to create a long-lasting, impactful program for years to come.
8) My organization runs a scholarship program that is related to energy. Can we amplify both programs?
We are happy to speak with you about options to amplify relevant, existing scholarship programs. You may opt to have your scholarship program listed on the Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund page. We can also discuss ways to integrate your existing financial contributions to one of the Scholarship Funds. Please reach out to Maya Goodwin ([email protected]) to learn more.
9) Will scholarship awards be taxable income for recipients?
Scholarship awards are not taxable income if the recipient is in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution and the scholarship is used for qualified education expenses, including tuition, required fees, books, and supplies necessary for coursework (as defined by federal and state tax codes). Emergency assistance funds may be taxable income when those funds cover expenses that are not deemed qualified education expenses and if the individual is not in a degree-granting program at an eligible institution.
10) Are contributions to the Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund tax deductible?
Yes, contributions to the Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Scholarship America, which administers the Scholarship Fund, is a nonprofit charitable organization under Section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code. No goods or services will be exchanged for contributions to the Scholarship Fund.