September 5, 2013
Mesalands Community College recently received $8,000 from the Xcel Energy Foundation for scholarships for students majoring in Wind Energy Technology, at the North American Wind Research and Training Center. The Xcel Energy Foundation is part of the company’s focus on education, which supports the College’s efforts to improve science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.
“It’s great that not only are we able to support students in their ability to gain more information and to reach their goals, in terms of our Wind Energy Technology Program, but it’s also a great partnership with Xcel Energy,” said Dr. Thomas W. Newsom, President of Mesalands Community College. “We really do value and appreciate their help in terms of helping our students and continuing to support our community.”
Xcel Energy supports communities in four important focus areas: math and science education; environmental stewardship; job training; placement and creation; and access to arts and culture. In 2012, Xcel Energy invested $8 million in support of communities across its service territory.
Mesalands has received over $30,000 in grants from Xcel Energy since 2005.
“This grant is good for both Mesalands and Xcel Energy. Mesalands is providing the much-needed training for the wind industry; and Xcel is the largest provider of wind energy in the United States and have been for the last eight years, so it all works hand in hand,” David Essex, Community Service Manager at Xcel Energy said. “It’s just really impressive what’s going in our area in terms of wind energy.”
Jim Morgan, Director of the North American Wind Research and Training Center at Mesalands Community College explains the importance of these scholarship opportunities.
“We give these scholarships to the students and it’s theirs to use for their education,” Morgan said. “These scholarships will help us make sure that our students are successful and graduate.”