Scolarship Grants

4401 Ford Avenue, Suite 1100 Alexandria, VA 22302
Telephone: (502) 417-0157

Scholarship Grants

2011 Scholarship Winners
	Cameron Bailey winner of the IEC Foundation/Eaton Corporation $2,000 scholarship is a fourth-year apprenticeship student at IEC Southern New Mexico.
	Eric Carnes winner of the IEC Foundation/Eaton Corporation $2,000 scholarship s a second-year apprenticeship student at IEC Atlanta. He is employed by Raby Electric in Covington, Georgia.
	Robert Christner winner of the IEC Foundation/The Home Depot $2,000 scholarship is a fourth-year apprenticeship student at IEC Southern New Mexico.
	Jess Michael Crotzer winner of an IEC Foundation $2,000 scholarship is a third-year apprenticeship student at IEC of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. He is employed by Comfort Systems USA in Louisville, Kentucky.
	Dan Dawson winner of the IEC Foundation/The Home Depot $2,000 scholarship is a third-year apprenticeship student at IEC of Oregon. He is employed by Pacific Alarm Systems in Wilsonville, Oregon.
	Jesse Hobson winner of the IEC Foundation/ConEst $2,000 scholarship is a second-year apprenticeship student at IEC Kentucky and Southern Indiana. He is employed by Bauerla Electric, Inc. in New Albany, Indiana.
	Kevin Klimas winner of the IEC Foundation/ConEst $2,000 scholarship is a freshman at Manchester Community College where he is studying Engineering Science. He is employed by L. J. Electric, in Bloomfield, Connecticut.
	Frank Miller winner of the IEC Foundation/Leviton Manufacturing $2,000 scholarship is a fourth-year apprenticeship student at IEC Atlanta. He is employed by LMI Electrical Inc. in Tucker, Georgia.
	Gilbert Morado winner of the IEC Foundation/3M Foundation $2,000 scholarship is a fourth-year apprenticeship student at IEC Rio Grande Valley. He is employed by D&F Industries in Pharr, Texas.
	Matthew Morris winner of the IEC Foundation/Eaton Corporation $2,000 scholarship is a fourth year apprenticeship student at IEC of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. He is employed by Morris Electric Company in Louisville, Kentucky
	Adam Mott winner of the IEC Foundation/Schneider Electric $2,000 scholarship is a Junior at the University of Kentucky studying Electrical Engineering. He was sponsored by Mott Electric in West Paducah, Kentucky, a member of IEC of the Bluegrass, in Lexington, Kentucky.
	Ross Seilhammer winner of an IEC Foundation $2,000 scholarship is a Freshman at Pennsylvania State University (Harrisburg) where he is studying Electrical Engineering. He was sponsored by SECCO, Inc. in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, a member of IEC Central Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.
	Mark Skaggs winner of an IEC Foundation $2,000 scholarship is a second-year apprenticeship student at IEC of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. He is employed by Warren Electric in Louisville, Kentucky.
	Jason Smith winner of the IEC Foundation/Schneider Electric $2,000 scholarship is a second-year apprenticeship student at IEC of Arizona. He is employed by Thomas Electrical Contractors in Phoenix, Arizona.
	Laramie Smith winner of the IEC Foundation/The Home Depot $2,000 scholarship is a second-year apprenticeship student at IEC of Southern Arizona. He is employed by Faulk Electric Corporation in Tucson, Arizona.
	Ben Stanush winner of the IEC Foundation/CNA $2,000 scholarship is a second-year apprenticeship student at IEC San Antonio. He is employed by G&M Electric, Inc. in Universal City, Texas.
	Ryan Tedford winner of the IEC Foundation/CNA $2,000 scholarship is a second-year apprenticeship student at IEC Rocky Mountain.
	Shane Ucker winner of the IEC Foundation/The Home Depot $2,000 scholarship is a fourth-year apprenticeship student at IEC Central Ohio. He is employed by X-F Electric in Columbus, Ohio.
	Adrian Valles winner of the IEC Foundation/The Home Depot $2,000 scholarship is a fourth-year apprenticeship student at IEC Southern New Mexico. He is employed by L-E Electric in Las Cruces, new Mexico.
	Bobby Williams winner of an IEC Foundation $2,000 scholarship is a second-year apprenticeship student at IEC Kentucky and Southern Indiana. He is employed by Warren Electric in Louisville, Kentucky.

2010 Scholarship Winners
	Aaron Bestgen is in his 2nd year of training at the IEC of Washington apprenticeship program. He also is a full-time student at Bellevue College with a major in electrical engineering. Aaron’s interest in the electrical industry started early in life. “My father is an electrician, and since I was a young man I have been involved with different aspects of the job,” he said. Immediately after high school, he entered the Navy as an Internal Communications Technician with a desire to specialize in fiber optics. He graduated second in his class. After his discharge he was hired by McMullen Electric. “I am excited for work every single day I wake up knowing there will be something new for me to learn when I get on the site,” he added.
	Justin Bierman can still remember his first day of work at Bill Mudd Electric on August 1, 2007. He was a recent graduate from the University of Kentucky with a major in Communications and a minor in Business. “At first I was a little skeptical, I had no clue what an electrician did and admittedly, not mechanically inclined. I was so nervous, I hardly talked to anyone. I just wanted to make it through my first day without messing up,” he said. His outlook has changed dramatically since that time though, and today, as he enters his second year of apprenticeship training with the IEC Kentucky and Southern Indiana chapter, Justin said his confidence level has soared and he realized that an office job would never have suited him. “Everyday now seems different and new and I am learning things I never knew before,” he added. His goal, with both his college degree and IEC electrical apprenticeship training, is to be a master electrician where, he said, “The possibilities for me will be endless.”
	Joshua Childress never considered the electrical industry when he was thinking about a career. In fact, he earned a degree from Elizabethtown Community and Technical College in Automotive Technology. “But,” he said, after working in a garage for six months I realized it was not the right field for me.” After talking with friends, he learned more about the electrical industry and secured a job at Peter’s Electric in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. After four years there he said this was the best decision he ever made for himself. A fourth-year student at the IEC Kentucky and Southern Indiana apprenticeship program (where he has perfect attendance), Josh is looking forward to graduation and taking the Master Electrician test and continue his education in Motor Controls and PLCs. “You can never know too much,” he said.
	Nathaniel Childress likes the challenge that each day brings. “Every day I learn something new,” he said. Although he never expected to become an electrician, he was offered a job right out of high school with Peter’s Electric in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. For the past five years what was once a “job” has become a passion. “I like doing electrical work because it’s a good way I can help people,” he said. “A lot of times the small details can be overlooked and I like to make sure that even those are done right. I don’t believe in doing something just to get it done. I want to make sure it is done right.” A fourth year student at the IEC Kentucky and Southern Indiana apprenticeship program, Nathaniel is looking forward to graduation and “taking the Master’s test and taking on more responsibility.”
	Kurtis "KIP" Goulder comes from a long line of electricians. He is the fourth generation in his family to pick up the mantle. Kip is entering his senior year at Purdue University where he is majoring in Building Construction Management, specializing in electrical and healthcare. Interning for the past two summers at APG Electric in Clearwater, Florida (Florida West Coast IEC), he started in the service division, where “I was able to experience a variety of different electrical installation challenges,” he said. Later he worked on large construction projects. “The field work gave me a great appreciation for our electricians as I was able to experience the same challenges they go through for their careers,” Kip commented. From there, Kip moved into APGs estimating and engineering divisions which closely ties in with his education and career goals. He said, “My education is very important to me and I hope to take advantage of every opportunity, and there are many, to gain new knowledge that I can bring back to APG when I start full-time. I believe my education will be vital to them as I am learning fresh ideas and how to implement them through the academic experience.
	Kevin Klimas credits his father for being a great role model, displaying a positive work ethic and trust worthiness. “He always regarded higher education as a must and encouraged me to pursue a college degree.” Which Kevin took to heart. After completing a double major in Sports Management and Business Administration at the University of New England where he was a Dean’s List student, he worked for five years as a Corrections Officer with the State of Connecticut. Having the electrical business in his blood, however, nagged at him. “If all I knew about electricity was flipping a switch would cause a light to go on, it would be a travesty. I’ve always known deep down I wanted to learn a trade as well as the business aspects. So I approached my Dad (who opened L. J. Electric – IEC New England - over forty years) and asked was there some way I could help out with the business.” L. J. Electric was just beginning to work with Auto Cad projects and Kevin embraced it whole-heartedly, enrolling in classes to learn as much as possible. He also enrolled in apprenticeship training at IEC New England where he is a fourth-year student. Impossible as it seems, he also attends the University of Hartford where he is studying in their Electrical Engineering program. Kevin considers himself lucky to be able to give the hard work and long hours as part of what is right, not only for himself, but his family. “My son is four and my daughter five months old. Without my wife’s tremendous support none of these pursuits would be possible.”
	Sammy Sandoval is a two-time winner of a IECF Scholarship. A fourth-year student at IEC Rocky Mountain Apprenticeship program, he works full-time for Accent Electric in Broomfield, Colorado. “Winning this scholarship has helped me pursue my goals with a little more ease,” he said. “Life’s struggles are hard enough as it is and I am very grateful,” he continued. Sammy’s plans after graduation are to earn his Master’s license and continue with the field that has provided him with so many opportunities. “I enjoy this trade, mainly because I learn something new every day and there are so many avenues that I can pursue.” His plans include learning more about solar and wind energy, and he hopes to move more into the applications involving green energy technology. “An education is important also to financial stability which is another reason I chose this career path. In an nutshell, by receiving this scholarship, it re-enforces my want and drive to succeed in the electrical industry with a little financial burden lifted,” he concluded.
	Stephen Schiff is entering his third year training at the IEC of Arizona, and has worked for nearly four years with Wang Electric in Phoenix. “I enjoy the electrical trade,” he said, “because I like hard work and I enjoy a physically and mentally challenging job.” He also has a great interest in solar power and has installed one in his own home. Since then he has been promoted at work to a Solar Installer. Stephen is also very active in missionary work and has made numerous trips to Africa and Haiti with his church, each one, he says, more challenging and memorable than the last. He has been able to use his electrical and construction knowledge on these trips.
	Richard Torres says that hard work, diligence, respect for others and a thirst for knowledge are some important traits that his parents instilled in him. “Growing up in a very close-knit family, these valued are lived by example so I’ve seen all the positive outcomes that you reap if you live by them,” he said. His fascination as a young child with electricity led him to his chosen career. “A flick of a switch is where it all began – MAGIC!” he said, and like any curious child spent countless hours flicking switches, breaking a few in the process. Then, he said, he met the Magician who fixed the broken switch and the magic happen all over again. “If he can do it, I can do it,” thought a determined young man. And so a life story began and today, this young man is entering his fourth year at IEC Kentucky and Southern Indiana apprenticeship training and has worked since 2007 with Wagner Electric in Louisville, Kentucky. After graduation, Richard’s plans are to continue in the field he loves and continue his studies in Programmable Logistic Controls.
	Scott Ward's ambition was displayed at early age when he earned his Eagle Scout award. After high school he first earned an Associates Degree in General Education from Ricks College in Idaho, and then a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Utah Valley University. A family man, he and his wife have two sons and it was right after the birth of their second son that Scott began evaluating his career path. He was doing very well having managed the Security Department for Macey’s Grocery and Nordstrom’s, but didn’t feel he was reaching his full potential. A friend talked to him about the electrical industry, where he worked as a Master Electrician in Las Vegas. The fire was lit. Even though it would be a financial burden to quit his well-paying job to start school again, with the support of his wife, Scott took the plunge. “I have never been happier,” he said. “Instead of a job, I feel I finally have found the career I was looking for.” A fourth year student at IEC Utah Apprenticeship Program, Scott worked in the field for Wilkinson Electric for a year and a half and then offered the opportunity to move into their estimating department. “I am very excited about this new opportunity and don’t even mind a headache at night when I come home from work because I’ve been thinking so much trying to make a project better, or organizing my time more wisely to be more effective in bidding. This new opportunity has helped me plan for my future goals of teaching others and working more in project management.”
2009 Scholarship Winners
	John Kortman (IEC Arizona), 2009 scholarship winner in the Baccalaureate category said, “This will have a huge impact financially and help me worry less about student loans. I want to continue to learn more about the electrical industry and acquire skills so that one day I can run a business myself.
	Sammy Sandoval (IEC Rocky Mountain) 2009 scholarship winner in the Craft category is a family man who has faced some difficult times trying to make ends meet. “Staying positive is sometimes a struggle, but I know that if I continue to work hard there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The harder I work the more rewarding it becomes for my family and me as I continue to reach my goals. This scholarship will help tremendously!
2008 Scholarship Winners
	Peter Dickinson (WECA-IEC), 2008 scholarship winner in the Craft category holds a degree in Construction Management from Brigham Young University and is a third-generation electrician. His father and grandfather were both in the trade and he said it has always been his dream to follow in their footsteps. “I’ve always wanted to be an electrician and I’m glad I chose WECA as the route to take to reach that goal,” Peter said. “Starting a 5-year apprenticeship after getting a 4-year degree is a long road, but I feel the field training I’m getting as a WECA apprentice will make my education in the electrical trade more
	Laura Marxkors (IEC Greater St. Louis), 2008 scholarship winner in the Baccalaureate category used her award to begin studies in Electrical Engineering at Saint Louis University. She has a long list of accomplishments and awards to her credit and although she has struggled with insulin-dependent diabetes since the age of three that has not stopped her from being active. She commented, “Through diabetes, sports and academics I have learned that life is not something I want to waste. I must work hard to live a long and rewarding life.

2009 Tuition-Assistance Recipients

2010 Tuition-Assistance Recipients

Dominic Alfaro	IEC Southern New Mexico
Rachel Bauer	IEC Kentucky & So. Indiana
Daniel Chizmar	IEC Western Reserve Ohio
Chad Ferguson	IEC Central Ohio
Boulton Fourie	IEC Southern Colorado
Donald Greenlee	IEC Central Ohio
Alyssa Halperin	IEC Atlanta
Estevan Hernandez	IEC Southern New Mexico
Jamie Kibler	IEC Idaho
Karl Marcel	IEC Atlanta
Matt Seiter	IEC Greater Cincinnati
James Sheriff	IEC Idaho
Ryan Stifanick	IEC Washington
Christopher Stillion	IEC Western Reserve Ohio
Matt Taylor	IEC Kentucky & So. Indiana
Travis Thompson	IEC Southern Colorado
Brett Turner	IEC Greater Cincinnati
John Watts	IEC Rocky Mountain
Richard Wilkie	IEC Washington
Ian Youngs	IEC Rocky Mountain

Robert Benco	IEC New England
Joseph Bonsal	IEC West. Colorado
Brad Britt	IEC Kentucky/So. IN
Robert Caracciolo	IEC New England
Evan Espana	IEC So. New Mexico
Nick Harris	IEC West. Colorado
Byron Hatchett	IEC Greater St. Louis
Victor Hernandez	IEC Southern Arizona
Lamonta Hogan	IEC Greater St. Louis
William Khounxay	IEC Atlanta
Jose Martinez	IEC Southern Arizona
Cesar Martinez	IEC So. New Mexico
Jeremy Morrow	IEC Western Reserve
Jason Smith	IEC of Arizona
Terry Thomas	IEC Kentucky/So. IN
Ruben Verville	EC of Arizona
Dave Werner	IEC Western Reserve
Rodney Whyte	IEC Atlanta