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Center for Energy Workforce Development Announces Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund to Expand Access to Industry Careers

CEWD calls on industry, academic, workforce, and philanthropic partners to support national scholarship program and help students overcome financial barriers to education and training

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), in partnership with Scholarship America, announced today the creation of the Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund, a national initiative designed to expand access to energy careers. With partner investments and support, the scholarship fund aims to grow paths to energy employment, addressing financial barriers that hinder access to rewarding careers as well as the sector’s ability to secure the talent it needs.

In the decade ahead, energy employers expect to face historic hiring demands to power and fuel the nation’s energy evolution. While two-thirds of Americans (66%) would consider pursuing or recommending a career in energy, only one in six (17%) know how to pursue an energy career if they wanted to, according to CEWD’s recent national survey conducted by the Harris Poll. The Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund will help qualified individuals access the education and training necessary to fill critical roles.

“Our goal is to make energy careers accessible to anyone with the interest and drive to succeed,” said Missy Henriksen, executive director, Center for Energy Workforce Development. “By addressing the financial cost of pursuing rigorous programs, we can expand opportunity for learners and strengthen the talent pool that energy employers depend on. We now need industry and philanthropy partners to fund the scholarship and help build our future workforce.”

The Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund is geared towards people of all ages and in all parts of the country who are interested in pursuing education or workforce training in a field of study relevant to the energy sector. It will support study across a wide range of program types, including those leading to two- or four-year degrees, graduate or law degrees, and registered apprenticeships.

“Scholarship America is proud to work with CEWD on a program that meets people where they are and makes it simple to pursue energy careers—whether through a degree or apprenticeship program,” said Mike Nylund, Scholarship America President & CEO. “With administrative costs fully covered through grant support from Invest in Our Future, 100% of scholarship funds contributed over the next year will go directly to students, meaningfully reducing financial barriers to education and training that are vital to success.”

Upon its launch in early 2026, the Get Into Energy Scholarship Fund will include a series of dedicated sub-funds. While additional industry-focused funds may be established based on interest, current funds include:

  • General Scholarship Fund: A fund intended to flexibly support people interested in pursuing rigorous, relevant education or workforce training programs and who may not be strong candidates for the other distinct scholarship funds.
  • Urban Energy Scholarships: Supporting residents of urban communities, particularly those participating in the Urban Energy Jobs Program, the soon-to-be-launched Urban Energy After School Program, or the National Urban League’s Project Ready.
  • Veterans Scholarships: Supporting veterans pursuing energy careers, attracting more individuals with transferable skill sets into energy employment.
  • Hire PowHER Scholarships: Supporting women pursuing energy careers to close the gap between the 26% of the energy workforce that are women vs. 47% of the U.S. workforce.
  • Boosting Apprenticeship Success (Emergency Aid Fund): Supporting participants in Registered Apprenticeship Programs by covering emergency one-time expenses that jeopardize their ability to persist in their programs, such as child care, housing, transportation, food, or other immediate financial needs.

The Center for Energy Workforce Development seeks engagement and support from energy, workforce, and education stakeholders to fund, design, and amplify this scholarship program. Visit www.cewd.org/scholarship-fund or contact Maya Goodwin at [email protected] to learn more.

About the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD)
The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) is a national non-profit that unites employers, labor, educators, energy associations, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to prioritize solutions that will ensure the industry is people-ready for the energy evolution. CEWD is committed to uniting energy stakeholders in attracting and developing a highly skilled workforce. To learn more, visit www.CEWD.org or www.GetIntoEnergy.org.