ALBANY, Ore. — Three incoming Linn-Benton Community College students were awarded $5,000 scholarships by Oregon-based utility NW Natural, helping create pathways for young people into professions experiencing a skilled worker shortage.
LBCC’s Career Technical Education program provides students with essential training and skills to enter in-demand trades. The scholarships will provide meaningful assistance as these students obtain skills and knowledge they will need to be successful in their chosen profession. NW Natural is committed to helping address the shortage of skilled workers, and one way to do so is supporting students who are eager to pursue careers. NW Natural has committed to providing one scholarship each year to a deserving incoming LBCC CTE student.
The scholarships were awarded in a ceremony at LBCC's Albany campus marking CTE Signing Day, a nationwide event celebrating students who are entering a trade program.
Receiving scholarships are:
- Zoe Gonzales (Albany), Automotive Technology
- Hector Mireles Ruiz (Albany), Mechatronics
- Kolton Wolfe (Sweet Home), Machine Tool
"Linn-Benton Community College is at the forefront of connecting students with high-demand trades in the mid-Willamette Valley," said David Van Der Haeghen, NW Natural’s Community Affairs Manager for the area. "We are thrilled to award these scholarships to such deserving students, who have demonstrated a commitment to their education and communities."
“By signing our incoming students to Letters of Intent, we’re telling them that we’ve reserved a place for them, and we want them,” said Amy Burbee, LBCC Cooperative Work Experience Department Chair. “Technical education will prepare them for a strong career. Industry leaders are excited about this opportunity because it validates the student and provides an opportunity for industry representatives to meet these future workers. We are incredibly thankful for NW Natural's support for these students and for partnering with the college at this event.”
About NW Natural
NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides natural gas service to approximately 2.5 million people in more than 140 communities through more than 795,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. NW Natural owns and operates 21 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon. NW Natural, a part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and has been doing business for more than 160 years. NW Holdings owns NW Natural, NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), and other business interests. We have a longstanding commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and taking care of our employees and communities. Learn more in our latest ESG Report.
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