TVA and Huntsville Utilities fund scholarship for lineworkers

DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — Tennessee Valley Authority and Huntsville Utilities partnered to create a $100,000 scholarship for students training to be lineworkers at Calhoun Community College.

The need-based scholarship will cover students’ lunch, supplies, mentorship, and transportation costs over the course of Calhoun’s 7-week Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Program. Out of a pool of applicants, 10 lucky students will qualify for the scholarship.

“When you look at it, it’s about $10,000 a person, ” Vice President of Huntsville Utilities Harry Hobbes said, “but if someone has difficulties with transportation, with lunch, with clothing, and with accessing information, this changes their life forever.”

TVA and Huntsville Utilities have a history of partnering to create scholarships for skilled workers. Last year, they awarded the same amount to lineworkers in the pre-apprenticeship program at Calhoun.

Hobbes said the application for the scholarship is open and while the program doesn’t guarantee employment, it puts students ahead of the game.

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