MONTE VISTA — San Luis Valley REC makes secondary education a priority when giving back to the Valley. With just over $235,000 given in the past seven years, REC annually awards up to 11 scholarships to local students.

The awards are primarily reserved for REC members, although a few of the scholarships are available to other Valley students as well.

“My college experience is going great. I am very grateful for the scholarship and the opportunities that it gives me. ASU is a great fit for me while I earn my biology degree due to how personable the professors are and the comforting sense of community,” said Adams State freshman Desiray Tolsma.

Tolsma was awarded the 2021 SLV REC Adams State University Four-Year Scholarship, which is renewable for up to a maximum of four years. The value of the scholarship equals the total of in-state tuition, some fees and a book allowance for the award year.

“Receiving the REC 4-year scholarship has impacted my college experience because I am now able to afford living on campus, which has allowed me to be more present for extracurricular activities. For example, I am the treasurer for the Tri-Beta biology club, where I will be given the chance to volunteer for my community. Overall, this scholarship has given me the chance to pursue my passion, and I am enjoying my time so far,” she said.

In addition to the four-year scholarship, REC awards the Martin Christensen Electric Lineworker Scholarship, which may be used at any accredited lineworker school. The value of the scholarship is $4,000 and may be used to cover tuition costs, required textbooks or minimal basic tools for the program. Although first consideration will be given to graduating high school seniors, this scholarship is open to all individuals.

Other scholarships include the following:

The $1,000 Robert Wolfe Scholarship was established for students furthering their education in an agricultural or engineering field and may be used at any trade school, college or university.

A student looking to further their education at any trade school, college or university should apply for the SLVREC Past Director Scholarship and the SLVREC Past Retired GM Ray Villyard & CEO John Villyard Scholarship, both of which are valued at $1,000/each.

In addition, six Tri-State G&T Scholarships are offered at $500 each. Dependents of employees and directors of SLVREC are eligible for one of these scholarships, as are members.

For full requirements and details, see the scholarship application online at https://slvrec.com/scholarships