Overview
The Clay Electric Youth Scholarship is a national program designed to encourage highschool and earlycollege students to pursue careers in the electrical and energyrelated fields. Established by Clay Electric, a leading utility and technology provider, the scholarship supports aspiring engineers, technicians, and innovators who demonstrate both academic excellence and a passion for sustainable energy solutions.
Each year, the program awards up to ten scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, along with mentorship opportunities, internships, and networking events with industry professionals.
Eligibility Criteria
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Currently enrolled in high school (senior year) or a postsecondary institution (associates, bachelors, or graduate programs) with a focus on electrical engineering, renewable energy, power systems, or related disciplines
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
- Demonstrated community involvement or leadership in STEM activities
- Commitment to completing a degree program in a relevant field
Application Process
The application cycle opens each March and closes on September 15. Follow these steps to submit a complete application:
- Create an account on the scholarship portal.
- Complete the personal information section.
- Upload official transcripts and a recent GPA report.
- Submit a 500word essay titled My Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future.
- Provide two letters of recommendationone from an academic mentor and one from an employer, coach, or community leader.
- Attach a rsum highlighting relevant coursework, projects, and extracurricular activities.
- Agree to the terms and click Submit.
All documents must be in PDF format and under 5MB each. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated by a committee of Clay Electric executives, senior engineers, and academic partners. The review follows a weighted rubric:
- Academic Achievement 30%
- Essay Quality & Vision 25%
- Leadership & Community Service 20%
- Recommendations 15%
- Relevant Experience (internships, projects) 10%
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a virtual interview. Final decisions are announced in early December via email and posted on the scholarship website.
Benefits of the Scholarship
- Financial support Funds can be applied toward tuition, books, lab fees, or related expenses.
- Mentorship Recipients are paired with a Clay Electric professional for oneonone guidance throughout their studies.
- Internship opportunities Preferred placement in Clay Electrics summer internship program.
- Professional networking Invitations to annual industry conferences, webinars, and community service projects.
- Recognition Highlighted on Clay Electrics website, newsletters, and social media channels.
Alumni Success Stories
Jordan Lee, Class of 2023 Received the 2021 scholarship and completed a B.S. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Jordan interned with Clay Electrics grid modernization team and is now a junior engineer developing smartgrid solutions.
Maria Gonzales, Class of 2024 Utilized scholarship funds to pursue a dual major in Renewable Energy and Computer Science. She now leads a research project on solarpowered microgrids for rural communities.
These stories showcase the scholarships impact on launching successful careers in the energy sector.
How to Stay Informed
Subscribe to the Clay Electric newsletter, follow their official LinkedIn and Twitter accounts, and regularly check the scholarship portal for updates on deadlines, webinars, and new resources.
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