Lineworker Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Salem Electric service territory (Oregon - Marion and Polk counties)

Focus Area: Electrical lineworker career training

Program Overview

Salem Electric offers a $3,000 scholarship for individuals pursuing a career in electrical linework through accredited training programs. The scholarship is designed to support entry into the skilled trades with long-term career stability (average journeyman lineworker salary in Oregon exceeds $92,000 annually).

Eligible Programs

• Vocational Outside Line Training Academy (VOLTA)
• Northwest Lineman College

Eligibility Requirements

• Member Status: Available to members and/or applicants whose parent or guardian is a current Salem Electric member
• Age: Must be at least 18 years old at time of enrollment in line college program
• Education: High school diploma or GED required
• Prerequisites: Must meet entrance requirements of designated school before applying
• Ineligible: Salem Electric employees, directors, Scholarship Committee members, and their respective families

Award Details

• Payment: Scholarship funds sent directly to lineworker school on behalf of recipient
• Use of Funds: Must be used for tuition only
• Duration: Must be used within 24 months of award
• Refund Policy: If recipient terminates program before funding period ends, school refunds unused portion to Salem Electric
• Obligations: Recipients may be asked to attend board meeting or annual membership meeting for recognition. No work obligation to Salem Electric after training; no position guarantee.

Additional Opportunities

• Job shadowing opportunity with Salem Electric line crew (half day) prior to interview for qualifying candidates
• Selection committee interview via Zoom or in-person at Salem Electric office (633 7th Street NW, Salem OR 97304)

Contact Information

• Phone: (503) 362-3601
• Address: Salem Electric, 633 7th Street NW, Salem, OR 97304
• Mailing Address: PO Box 5588, Salem, OR 97304-0055
• Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Closed 12:30-1:30 p.m.)

How to Apply

1. Submit Application Packet
   • Download or request the Lineworker Scholarship Application & Packet (PDF)
   • Submit via email or drop off at Salem Electric office
   • Application and documentation must be neat, typed, and grammatically correct
2. Required Documentation
   • Official copy of high school transcripts or GED
   • Three letters of recommendation:
   • Letter 1: From instructor or counselor at educational institution currently or formerly attended
   • Letter 2: From community member
   • Letter 3: From personal reference who is 18 years or older
   • Personal statement: 250-500 words addressing:
   • Why you are a good candidate for the scholarship
   • Why interested in pursuing lineworker career
   • Skills you have that would transfer to lineworker field
   • Description of short and long-term goals and how you plan to achieve them
3. Interview Process
   • Selection committee reviews applications
   • Qualified candidates selected for interviews
   • Interview format: Via Zoom or in-person at Salem Electric office
   • Applicants notified of interview date and time once selected
   • Job shadowing opportunity offered to qualifying candidates prior to interview

Submission Methods

• Email: se@SalemElectric.com
• In-Person Drop-off: 633 7th Street NW, Salem, OR 97304
• Contact: (503) 362-3601