College of Southern Idaho Students Receive Magic Valley Energy Scholarships

From left to right: Nate Cranston, Zac Erwin, and Angel Cruz during a weekly practice climb to complete their Renewable Energy Systems Technology Program degree at the College of Southern Idaho.

December 16, 2024 – TWIN FALLS, ID – Three students from the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) Renewable Energy Systems Technology Program have been awarded scholarships as part of a $10,000 contribution from Magic Valley Energy, supporting their advancement in the renewable energy sector.

Nate Cranston, Zac Erwin, and Angel Cruz, all second-year students in the program will receive scholarships toward their degree.

This is the fourth round of scholarships Magic Valley Energy has sponsored for CSI students in the renewable energy degree program.

The CSI Renewable Energy Systems Program has grown substantially over the past decade and has a 97% job placement rate for students. The degree is usually completed within two years; however, CSI works with high school students and those already working in the industry who still need to satisfy their degree requirements.

Erwin said he chose a career in renewable energy because of his deep desire to contribute to creating a better world.

“The potential in job opportunities gives us a continually growing network of opportunities,” Erwin said. “My ultimate goal is to go into management. I want to be a leader and inspire and impact others. I want to travel and speak about the true information about renewable energy.”

Cruz, a Jerome High School graduate, is the first in his family to attend college. He was attracted to the program because of the stability and opportunity to use and grow his skills.

“I like climbing turbines and I like clean renewable energy,” he said, adding he was looking forward to working as a wind technician to maintain the turbines and hopes to stay local.
The Lava Ridge Wind Project will bring more than $250 million in tax revenue to Idaho and the Magic Valley over the next 30 years. The tax revenues will directly benefit Lincoln, Jerome, and Minidoka counties, schools, recreation departments, and fire districts. The Project recently received approval from the Bureau of Land Management, paving the way for substantial economic benefits and domestic energy production.
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Magic Valley Energy LLC is an affiliate of LS Power, a development, investment and operating company focused on the North American power and energy infrastructure sector. Since its inception in 1990, LS Power has consistently been at the leading edge of the industry’s evolution, often introducing or commercializing new technologies and developing new markets. For more information, please visit www.LSPower.com or magicvalleyenergy.com

Contact: Amy Schutte
Phone: (208) 320-0564
Email: amy@hudsonandco.co
For Immediate Release