Rising Star: Offshore Wind Scholarship
The Business Network for Offshore Wind’s Rising Star: Offshore Wind Scholarship is awarded each year to college-bound high school seniors who have demonstrated impeccable academic achievement and a keen interest in pursuing a career in offshore wind renewable energy. Each scholarship award will be for a total of $5,000, which must be used toward tuition fees.
Applications for the 2023 Rising Star: Offshore Wind Scholarship will be accepted through April 24, 2023.
Eligibility & Criteria:
- A high school student currently in their senior year (class of 2023) intending to enroll full time in a two or four-year college or university beginning fall 2023
- Demonstrates excellent academic achievement and community service
- Involvement in school projects related to any aspect of offshore wind energy, and/or an internship working with companies involved the offshore wind industry
- Applicants will be judged by academic industry leaders and Network Board members based on their interest in pursuing a career in offshore wind, academic achievement, and financial need
How to Apply:
- Download and use the scholarship application form.
- 2023 applications will be accepted March 1 – April 24, 2023
2023 Rising Star Scholarship Sponsor:
2022 Scholarship Winners:
Alison Mueller
Allison was born in Jakarta and raised in Australia, until her family moved to the U.S. when her father accepted a job transitioning from oil & gas into the growing offshore wind industry. She is heavily involved in computer science and this past year participated in Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow STEM-based competition. Graduating with a 4.35 GPA, Allison will be attending the College of William & Mary in Fall 2022 to study computer science. She believes the key to unlocking offshore wind’s full potential requires efficient transportation and storage, which relies on effective data. She hopes to use her computer science degree to push offshore wind to the next stage.
Attending: College of William & Mary
Area of Study: Computer Science
(Member Sponsor: Fugro USA Marine)
Cooper Barrett
Cooper will attend Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Fall 2022 to purse a degree in Marine Transportation and an Unlimited Tonnage Third Mate’s License. He is a four-time All-Conference athlete, an All-State Athlete, and three-time Wrestling Conference Champion. Growing up in New York, Cooper’s goal is to learn about cutting-edge maritime technology that will prepare him for a successful career in the offshore wind industry. With marine technology being a key sector to developing the U.S. offshore wind industry, Cooper wants to work with companies that require Jones Act-compliant vessels to construct projects off America’s coastlines.
Attending: Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Area of Study: Marine Transportation
(Member Sponsor: Massachusetts Maritime Academy)
Sara Williamson
Sara grew up in Mechanicsville, Virginia and will attend Virginia Commonwealth University’s Business School to study marketing in Fall 2022. She has competed in Distribution Education Club of America (DECA) events on the international level and was president of her school’s National Green School’s Society chapter. Her goal after graduation is to participate in GE’s Commercial Leadership Program focused on renewable energy and work within an offshore wind company’s sales and marketing team.
Attending: Virginia Commonwealth University
Area of Study: Marketing
(Member Sponsor: GE Renewable Energy.)
Anastacia Simpson
Ana attended school on Vinalhaven Island, located within Maine’s Fox Islands and will attend Massachusetts-based Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Fall 2022 to study engineering with a focus on sustainable energy. Her goal is to return to Maine after graduation to help the state develop its sustainable energy infrastructure, including offshore wind. Ana sees wind power as an excellent source of clean energy for the U.S. as it shifts to sustainable energy and wants to be a part of this important change.
Attending: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Area of Study: Engineering
(Member Sponsor: Maine Marine Composites)