Congratulations to Esteban Montero Chacon!!! Esteban has received one of the American Public Power Association’s DEED scholarships to assist in his Energy Management program studies.

Esteban came to understand that in order to preserve our way of life on this planet, we need to do more than just recycle. So a few years ago, he decided to leave his formal work as a medical interpreter and dedicate his time to a new and more meaningful career path where he could use his technical skills and talents to make a greater difference in the world. Esteban enrolled in the Energy Management Program at Lane Community College in 2018 and, while continuing to work part-time, he has managed to excel in his courses and will graduate later this year with a high GPA.

Esteban’s bicultural background, international travel, and work experience give him a unique perspective and understanding of the world. He remains passionate and committed to helping create innovative and effective solutions to the ecological perils facing our world so that our planet can sustain healthy and happy human populations for many years to come.

Esteban's family has been supportive and excited about this new career

The Energy Management Program is very excited to have Esteban onboard and very proud of his success. In addition to the scholarship support, Esteban is working with Emerald People’s Utility District (EPUD) in Eugene, Oregon.

As a recipient of the DEED scholarship, Esteban works with EPUD, his sponsoring utility. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with professionals and to learn firsthand about the industry. Below are some of the ways that the utility and the scholarship work for the student:

• The utility provides an opportunity for the student to shadow an employee on staff.
• The utility shares information about the electric utility industry and career opportunities in public power with the recipient, such as by conducting a tour and briefing at the sponsor’s utility.
• The utility offers the recipient an opportunity to assist and participate in special events the utility hosts, such as programs during Public Power Week or at local schools.
• The utility provides a mentor to the scholarship recipient who can share information on appropriate public power career paths and be a resource to the student at least during the time frame of the DEED scholarship.

The Energy Management program is very proud of its students and of the work that our utility partners play in the education of students.

If you are interested in applying for the $2,000 DEED educational scholarship, visit publicpower.org/deed-funding-students to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. The application period opens August 1, 2021, and applications are due by October 15, 2020.

Now is the time to apply to the program and get started! The American Public Power Association can assist you in finding a DEED member utility to sponsor your application, but don’t delay. You must have an assigned sponsoring utility at least two weeks prior to the application deadline in order to apply.

If you have questions, please contact Roger Ebbage at 541-556-7724 or .