Organizations Continue Funding High-Demand Jobs Scholarships

Fifty local students could earn funds for a college education, while the local economy could see a $13.2 million benefit with the continuation of a local high-demand jobs scholarship.

The Phelps County Development Corporation and the Phelps County Community Foundation have both pledged funds to continue the high-demand jobs scholarship program for another three years, giving more local students the opportunity to earn funds for college and helping local employers find workers to fill high-demand jobs.

PCDC Project Coordinator Alli Donohue said the goal is to give scholarships to 50 local students in the next three years to study high-demand fields, such as nursing, agri-business and technology, diesel mechanics, engineering technology, mechatronics engineering, injection mold technology, electro-mechanical technology, tool and die making, construction trades and welding.

The scholarship recipients must promise to return to Phelps County to work after graduation.

Donohue said it is estimated that each returning college graduate boosts the local economy by $52,000 a year. During the next five years, past recipients alone could add $3.8 million to the local economy. PCDC estimates that by the year 2030, this scholarship could have a $13.2 million positive impact on the local economy.

The scholarships were first awarded in 2014, and so far 32 scholarships were given. Four students have already returned to work in Phelps County, and another 16 are scheduled to return in the next few years.

Both high school seniors and Phelps County residents looking to return to or begin college later in life are encouraged to apply. The application is available starting Dec. 1 on the PCCF website at www.phelpsfoundation.org. Applications are due February 15, 2017.