UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore.-Two students from Eastern Oregon have been awarded NewSun Energy Climate and Agriculture Scholarships.
Now in its fourth year, NewSun Energy’s annual Climate and Agriculture Scholarship Program supports students pursuing higher education and encourages future leaders in agriculture, conservation, climate solutions, and rural communities.
Students from communities across the region applied for scholarships, with six receiving $2,500 scholarships, while two others were awarded $500 honorable mention scholarships this year.
Scholarship application essays were scored based on students’ perspectives on climate and agriculture issues, community involvement, leadership potential, and future goals.
A volunteer panel of 14 essay evaluators, comprised of members of the NewSun Energy team, professionals from climate and conservation fields, nonprofit leaders, elected officials at the state and local level, and community stakeholders, reviewed all applications for the scholarships.
Eastern Oregon area students awarded NewSun Energy Climate and Agriculture Scholarships
- Roy Jones: $2,500 scholarship. Jones, a graduate of Baker Early College High School, plans to attend Eastern Oregon University. Jones’ scholarship essay focused on environmental stewardship and highlighted the responsibility of caring for the land that sustains us
- Gabriel Endersby: $500 honorable mention scholarship. Endersby, a graduate of Pilot Rock High School, examined how a deepening commitment to his community shaped his educational goals in environmental policy and resource management in his scholarship essay. Endersby also plans to attend Eastern Oregon University.
NewSun Energy is a renewable energy development and investment company that specializes in electric power grid interconnection and transmission in the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on clean power solutions for Bonneville Power Administration markets, customers, and public power, according to the company website.
Funded through its Community Benefits Fund, that supports educational initiatives, community development, and local investments where it operates; NewSun Energy’s Climate and Agriculture Scholarship Program has awarded almost $60,000 in scholarships since 2023.
