EnCana expands high school scholarship program
$2500 per year for up to four years for graduating student
by Encana USA
March 5, 2007
It’s that time again…time for students to start filling out those scholarship applications. EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. has expanded its scholarship program and is seeking high school seniors who plan to study engineering, geology or geophysics at an accredited university or college, or a trade program associated with the oil and gas industry, such as Production Technology, Heavy Equipment Operator or Land Administration.
The scholarship award is $2,500 per year, for up to four years, and is awarded annually to one graduating student in each school district within EnCana’s areas of operations, including: Green River, Rock Springs, Farson-Eden, Big Piney, Pinedale, Riverton, Wind River, Arapahoe, Shoshoni and St. Stephens high schools.
High school seniors who have a solid academic record, demonstrate community involvement and plan on being a full-time student should submit an application.
Previously, the scholarship program was only intended for four-year schools, however, the natural gas industry is constantly growing and in need of highly skilled and trained workers. Some technical or trade jobs related to oil and gas require a two-year degree.
Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs was the first to offer industry programs in Wyoming at the college level with the Oil and Gas Production Technology Program and the Compression Technology Program.
The Rocky Mountain Oil and Gas Training Center in Casper trains oil and gas workers in various occupations, including drilling rig floor hands, welding, CDL truck driving and heavy equipment operation.
And recently, to help solve various energy-related issues and provide an interdisciplinary environment for day-to-day interaction between multiple industry specialties, the University of Wyoming established its School of Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering Program.
Last year’s award recipients are enjoying the advantages the EnCana scholarships provide. Nolan Brasington of Rock Springs is studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wyoming. “College is great,” said Brasington. “I love the freedoms and the irregular flow of daily life. I’m very thankful for the EnCana scholarship. It allows me to spend more time studying, instead of working a job to cover the bills.”
James Easton of Big Piney is also attending the University of Wyoming and majoring in Engineering. “Although college can be stressful at times, I have met many new people and learned many new things,” said Easton. “I know it would be a lot harder for me to attend a great school like UW if it wasn’t for EnCana’s scholarship program.”
EnCana’s High School Scholarship Program supports the overall effort of expanding the workforce in Wyoming, and strengthening the economic and social well being of our communities.
“Education is a top priority, and these scholarships provide students an opportunity to continue their education, learn about the industry and generate a local, skilled workforce,” said EnCana Community Investment Adviser Joyce Witte. “EnCana’s scholarship program is an investment in our youth and in Wyoming.”
Last year’s EnCana scholarship recipients were Benjamin Gunn of Pinedale High School; James Easton of Big Piney High School; Nolan Brasington of Rock Springs High School; Torrey Mullen of Green River High School; Sean Schaub of Riverton High School and Mark Evans of Wind River High School.
Each scholarship is awarded directly to the student, and can be used for any college-related financial need, including tuition and fees, textbooks, and rent. Each school district is responsible for application deadlines and selecting the scholarship recipient. For more information about EnCana’s High School Scholarship Program, please contact your school district or e-mail communityinvestmentusa@encana.com.
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