Power Your Future in Engineering

  • Discover scholarships, field experiences and industry connections through the Center for Power Systems Studies.

Opportunities for Engineering Students

  • The Center for Power Systems Studies connects ambitious electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and civil and environmental engineering students with the resources they need to launch successful careers in the power industry. Through our partnerships with regional power companies, we provide financial support, hands-on learning experiences and valuable industry connections.
Key Opportunities
Scholarships

$17,000 awarded annually to students interested in power engineering careers.

Field Experiences

Hands-on learning through power facility tours and industry visits.

Industry Connections

Networking, internships and career opportunities with Center for Power Systems Studies member companies.

Center for Power Systems Studies Scholarships

  • The Center for Power Systems Studies scholarships are made available through the support of Center for Power Systems Studies member and associate member companies. The intended recipients are those electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and civil and environmental engineering students interested in the power and energy engineering areas.
  • Approximately $17,000 in scholarships are awarded each year. Of this amount, $6,000 goes to the top senior power student, and $11,000 is distributed as Center for Power Systems Studies general scholarships in varying amounts. The number of scholarships available and their frequency of offering can vary from year to year.
Scholarship Details
How to Apply
  • Applications are accepted at anytime of the year using your MyState account. There is a single online application for all scholarships, which is typically submitted in the early part of the spring semester. Most awards are made at the same time that open electrical engineering and open College of Engineering scholarships are awarded (i.e., during the spring semester).
  • If funds are still available, applications are reviewed throughout the year and additional awards can be made at any time. Therefore, you are encouraged to contact the Center for Power Systems Studies coordinator to determine if funds are still available, and always alert the coordinator if you are interested in the Center for Power Systems Studies and have submitted an online application.
The Center for Power Systems Studies Scholarship – $6,000

The largest scholarship is awarded to a senior electrical engineering student.

The recipient must be a senior student in electrical engineering who:

  • Has shown a significant interest in the power-energy area, typically demonstrated by past and present cooperative/internship employment in the power industry or related areas.
  • Has established and clearly communicated to the Center for Power Systems Studies coordinator their career goals.
  • Has actively participated in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, held qualified leadership positions.
  • Has a proven track record in extracurricular and community activities.
Center for Power Systems Studies General Academic Scholarship – $250-$2,000

Five to 10 scholarships ranging from $250-$2,000 are available.

The recipient must meet a minimum of three of the criteria below:

  • Be enrolled as a student in civil, mechanical or electrical engineering.
  • May be an incoming freshmen all the way up to an incoming senior.
  • Has clearly shown an interest in the power area.
  • Has held a cooperative/internship position in the power industry.
  • Has established and clearly communicated their career goals.
  • Has participated in extracurricular and community activities.
  • Has participated in a student engineering club.

Student Stipends for Field Experiences

  • Additional funds are made available to students participating in power-related activities. These stipends help offset costs for students involved in power-related field trips and educational experiences.
Stipend Details
Day Field Trip Stipends – $50-$150

These stipends are for students attending general power systems-related field trips. The amount of the stipend depends on the number of students taking the field trip.

EE 438 Stipends – $250-$350

These stipends are made available to students enrolled in the EE 438 Northcentral States Power Technology Tour course. The amount of the stipend depends on the number of students enrolled in the course. Typically these funds are used to offset expenses incurred when traveling on this weeklong field trip. Approximately 10 stipends are awarded each year.

Career Development Opportunities

  • The Center for Power Systems Studies connects students with numerous pathways to develop professional skills and industry connections:

Internships and Co-ops

  • Member companies regularly offer three-month summer internships and nine-month co-op positions that provide real-world experience and often lead to full-time employment offers.

Industry Seminars

  • Throughout the academic year, the Center for Power Systems Studies hosts guest speakers who share insights on cutting-edge technologies, career paths and industry trends.

Research Projects

  • Opportunities to work with faculty and industry partners on power-related research, often aligning with senior design requirements.