The Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation (SVHEF) has expanded its scholarship offerings with the addition of the Urban Grid Community Impact Scholarship, which will provide an additional $12,500 in awards this fall.
Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer, operates two solar projects in Halifax County—Crystal Hill Solar and Alton Post Office Solar. The new scholarship is designed to support Halifax County High School
seniors who reside in communities near these operational sites. Funds will assist students pursuing education at community colleges and enrolling in workforce training programs offered through the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) in South Boston, VA.
This marks a continuation of Urban Grid’s broader scholarship initiative, which launched in 2024 across Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, aiming to support workforce development and expand access to career pathways in renewable energy and related industries.
“This is more than just a scholarship – it’s an investment in the future workforce,” said Val Newcomb, Vice President of Economic and Community Development at Urban Grid. “By providing opportunities for students in our project communities to learn a trade and potentially move into a career in renewables and the broader energy industry, we’re funding the workforce of the future.”
The scholarship is designed to provide long-term financial assistance throughout the lifespan of each Urban Grid project, which typically spans several decades. This ensures sustained investment in local education and economic development.
“We are extremely grateful for this partnership with Urban Grid,” said Liza Fulton, SVHEF Scholarship and Outreach Coordinator. “This is a wonderful opportunity for students living in Halifax County to continue their education and prepare for rewarding careers.”
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Urban Grid plays a key role in shaping a sustainable, clean energy future through both infrastructure development and community investment.
Scholarships are now being accepted for the Fall 2025 semester. Applicants will need to submit their personal essay, two letters of reference with their completed application. The deadline to submit an application is Monday, August 4th. The scholarship application is available online at www.svhef.org. For more information, contact SVHEF Scholarships and Outreach Coordinator Liza Fulton at 434-572-5448 or by email lizafulton@svhef.org.
About Urban Grid
Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer, facilitates a rapid and sustainable energy transition by developing high-quality renewable energy projects, fostering community partnerships and serving as a good land steward. Our company is positioned to develop, own and operate its facilities while cultivating a land management system that benefits farmers, communities and the natural world through agrivoltaics. Urban Grid maintains a delivery-focused approach with the goal of being a good neighbor, corporate citizen and trusted energy solutions partner. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with teams situated strategically throughout the United States, Urban Grid has a long history of contributing to the clean energy economy. In addition to 940 megawatts currently under construction, we are actively developing a growing portfolio of more than 12,000 megawatts of solar PV and 7,000 megawatts of co-located and stand-alone energy storage. Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield, one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.