Scholarship Lights Curiosity For Area Student

Electric cooperatives take pride in offering educational opportunities for the next generation. Whether through school programming or mentorship, we know education, training, and information can empower our youth and the communities they call home.

And sometimes a conversation about line work and scholarships is all it takes to light curiosity for a future career. Graham Wright, a 2024 graduate of Grenora High School, attended a presentation at his school about scholarship opportunities and careers within the electrical field.

“I went home and started researching linework and I really liked it,” Wright said.

After further research, Wright made the decision to attend Bismarck State College and pursue the lineworker program. He applied for several scholarships to support his career path. In fact, he was awarded one of the Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC) community scholarships to support his education earlier this year.

As the first semester at BSC came to an end, Wright reached out to MWEC with interest in taking a day to job shadow. While at MWEC, he toured the Williston office, learned about the internal workings of the electric cooperative and participated in outdoor crew observations.

“It was great to learn more about the electric coop,” Wright said. “This experience went beyond the classroom and will benefit me in my upcoming courses.”

Upon completion of the one-year lineworker program, Wright will look to take a lineworker apprenticeship position, which will allow him to get the hours needed to become a journeyman lineworker.

When asked where he sees himself working in the future, he did not hesitate.

“I would like to work for an electric cooperative in the area where I grew up and where my family is,” Wright said.

If you would like to learn more about MWEC scholarships, visit www.mwec.com. For other educational opportunities, visit www.mwec.com/education.

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