High Country Times

Five first-year students at Appalachian State University, all graduates of Watauga High School, have been awarded the New River Light and Power (NRLP) Scholarship for the 2024–25 academic year. Established in 1988, this scholarship aims to support Watauga County students pursuing higher education at App State.

The NRLP Scholarship provides $4,000 annually and is renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters or four years of undergraduate study, excluding Summer Sessions. Eligible applicants are graduating high school seniors residing in Watauga County who have been accepted to App State. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA each academic year to retain the scholarship.

“Since 1988, New River Light and Power has awarded almost $2 million in scholarships to Watauga County students,” said NRLP General Manager Matt Makdad. “Empowering our local community through education is an important part of our mission. We are proud that these newest scholarship recipients are part of the long legacy of public power supporting local communities.”

Additionally, NRLP is set to launch a Lineworker Scholarship in partnership with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Electrical Lineworker Institute in 2025. This scholarship will cover the cost of the lineworker program for Watauga High School graduating seniors.

“With this new scholarship, NRLP hopes to encourage a new generation of lineworkers from the High Country to serve in these much-needed roles,” said NRLP Operations Superintendent Alan Byrd.

The utility also contributes approximately $650,000 annually to App State's general scholarship fund, which supports various university scholarships including the Chancellor’s Scholarship.

Appalachian State University offers a range of financial aid opportunities amounting to an average of $25 million annually for incoming, current, and transfer students based on need and merit. The Office of Student Financial Aid and University Scholarships assists students in applying for both university-specific and external scholarships.

As part of the University of North Carolina System, Appalachian State University enrolls over 21,000 students across its Boone and Hickory campuses as well as online programs. The institution maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors.

For more information about App State scholarships, visit scholarships.appstate.edu.