Van Meter Awards Funds to Support Careers in the Electrical Industry

…And The Van Meter Scholarships Go To… 🥁

van meter electrical field scholarships

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – (5/6/2025) – Van Meter awarded $14,000 in scholarship funds to seven individuals from across the Midwest to support their training and education needs as they pursue careers in fields related to the electrical industry. Van Meter awarded the funds through two unique scholarship programs, the Van Meter “Spark Your Success” scholarship and the Barry and Gilda Boyer “Power Your Future” scholarship.

“There is a growing need for workers in the electrical industry. That’s why Van Meter has made it a priority to support the growth and access to careers in the trades,” said Danielle Monthei, Van Meter’s Community Impact Manager. “These scholarships are our opportunity to encourage the people who will one day support our business and do the important work that powers our world.”

Learn more about Van Meter’s scholarship programs and 2025 recipients below.

SPARK YOUR SUCCESS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Van Meter’s $2,000 “Spark Your Success” scholarships are awarded to individuals who have completed a high school degree or GED and are pursuing a field related to the electrical trades. This year’s recipients include:

Olivia Croy

Olivia Croy, Solon, Iowa: Olivia aspires to become a skilled electrical worker and eventually continue her education in engineering. “To have an engineer behind the computer who has actually been on jobsites and done the real work before is important to me and can change the whole course of a project,” said Olivia.

brad cloyd

Brad Cloyd, Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Brad is a first-year electrician apprentice committed to advancing his skills in the electrical industry. “My attraction to the trades stems from an appreciation for hands-on work and a desire to create tangible solutions. The prospect of providing a comfortable life for my family through meaningful employment is a significant motivator,” said Brad.

austin frye

Austin Frye, Ontario, Wisconsin: Austin’s goal is to complete his journeyman training and then go on to become a master electrician – specifically the electrician that everybody loves. He hopes to someday have his own business. “Helping people in need is what has drawn me to the future of working in the trades,” said Austin.

andrew west

Andrew West, Berwick, Iowa: Andrew is a fourth-year electrician apprentice who wants to learn as much as possible about his trade. “I am a hard worker, and I watch my brothers’ and sisters’ backs by helping new apprentices learn as they continue their journey,” said Andrew.

miken wheeler

Miken Wheeler, Anamosa, Iowa: Miken is pursuing a career in powerline technology so he can make a tangible difference in the lives of others. “Linemen are the first responders of the electrical world, braving harsh weather conditions and hazardous situations to restore power during outages, repair damaged lines and maintain the grid,” said Miken.

POWER YOUR FUTURE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

The $2,000 “Power Your Future” Scholarship, established in recognition of Barry Boyer’s more than 25 years of leadership at Van Meter, supports Cedar Rapids Community School District high school seniors pursuing a career in the electrical trade. This year’s recipients are:

bertin gisubizo

Bertin Gisubizo, Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Bertin was experiencing uncertainty during his final year of high school about what to do after graduation. “Thanks to my football coach and mentor, Ed Miles, I found out about the trades and am very interested, which is why I’m pursuing this field,” said Bertin.

dawson deutsch

Dawson Deutsch, Springville, Iowa: Dawson participated in the Cedar Rapids Community Schools Student Built House program during high school. “The teacher and all of the different crews I had the pleasure of working with were inspiring,” said Dawson. “The part I found myself enjoying most was working with the electricians. I take great pleasure in working with my hands, troubleshooting and problem solving, just as they did on the site. I value the variety it offers.”

KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

In addition to its own scholarship programs, Van Meter sponsors a $2,000 scholarship through Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The scholarship winner is determined by Kirkwood and will be announced at the end of May. “Kirkwood’s trades programs benefit Van Meter and many of our customers and supplier-partners in the area,” said Monthei.

FUTURE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

“Our industry is a place where people can learn, grow and be their personal best,” added Monthei. “Careers in the trades are in high demand, offer a fast transition to employment, earn competitive wages and benefits, and present countless opportunities for specialization and advancement.”

Van Meter awards each of these scholarships annually. The next opportunity to apply will be in early 2026. Visit vanmeterinc.com/scholarship for more information.