High School Seniors Eligible For $4,500 In Education Awards
AGAWAM, Massachusetts – Tenaska and Berkshire Power Company, LLC are pleased to announce the start of a new annual college scholarship program for students graduating from Agawam High School. The program will award $4,500 in scholarships, starting with the class of 2019.
Tenaska, one of the leading independent power producers in the United States, is the owner of Berkshire Power Company, LLC and its 229-megawatt (MW) natural gas-fueled power plant in Agawam. Tenaska manages scholarship programs in communities where its power plants are located. To date, more than $700,000 in scholarships have been given out to roughly 850 students across the United States.
“Education is an important focus for Tenaska,” said Todd Jonas, Tenaska senior vice president of operations and asset management. “We understand its role in shaping future success. We want to see students succeed and become future leaders of the community.”
Scholarships will be awarded each spring to college-bound students from Agawam High School. The money can be applied toward two- or four-year post-secondary education programs at accredited institutions.
A committee at Tenaska’s headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, will select the scholarship recipients. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate that they are prepared for higher education, rank in the top half of their class, have good character and show financial need.
Scholarship applications are now available at Agawam High School. Completed applications must be received no later than Feb. 15, 2019.
The Berkshire plant generates power for the ISO New England market, the regional transmission organization that serves six New England states, including Massachusetts. At 229 MW, the plant can generate enough power for approximately 230,000 homes.
Berkshire Power Company is an important contributor to the local tax base. The plant paid $1.9 million in property taxes in 2017. In addition, the plant provides more than $3 million annually in salaries and payments for locally contracted services and supplies.
About Tenaska
Tenaska, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the leading independent power producers in the United States. Tenaska and its affiliates have developed approximately 10,000 megawatts (MW) of natural gas-fueled and renewable power generation and manage operations for approximately 7,000 MW of power generation consisting of 11 power plants. A Tenaska affiliate operates the Berkshire Power facility
Media Contacts
Timberly Ross
Office: 402-691-9517
Mobile: 402-669-4073
tross@tenaska.com
Holly Hochstein
Office: 402-938-1638
Mobile: 402-841-1998
hhochstein@tenaska.com