The Power Systems Institute (PSI), which is the educational arm of FirstEnergy, has announced a new scholarship program for Black students.
In a press release announcement, it was revealed that the company will be awarding up to 50 scholarships in 2021 to underrepresented candidates who reside in the company’s service area in support of the company’s diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts. The scholarships are the first offered under the FirstEnergy PSI Equal Access Scholarship Program, a D&I initiative encouraging men and women from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds to pursue learning a skilled craft in the PSI program.
The scholarship, itself, is also available to other minority groups — including Native Americans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders — and will provide $1,000 per month, but not to exceed $21,000 for the duration of the program. The funds will be used to assist historically underrepresented students with living expense assistance.
“FirstEnergy understands and supports the value of PSI students from diverse cultures and various ethnic backgrounds,” said Dave Karafa, Vice President of Distribution Support for FirstEnergy, in the press release announcement. “FirstEnergy is committed to, and benefits from, the full and equitable participation of a diverse community. The program’s mission is to provide these students with the opportunity to attain their professional goals while advancing the utility industry.”
