Ryan Lockner, of Saxe, has earned a $1,000 scholarship awarded by the Education Scholarship Foundation of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC).

Lockner was accepted into Southside Virginia Community College’s Power Line Worker Training School, an 11-week pre-apprentice program held at Pickett Park in Blackstone that runs from July 11 to Sept. 30. He was eligible for consideration because his parents are consumer-members of Southside Electric Cooperative.

“Our foundation is excited to continue supporting co-op youth enrolled in this Virginia-based technical education program as they pursue careers as line workers,” said Roberta Harlowe, chairman of the board of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative, who also chairs VMDAEC’s Educational Services Committee and foundation board.

Recipients are chosen based on three major criteria: financial need (40 percent), academic achievement (40 percent) and community involvement (20 percent). Applicants must also provide evidence of their acceptance in a post-high school educational institution or program.

“We plan to offer a third class later this year, which would start in October, said Keith Harkins, vice president of workforce and continuing education for SVCC. He added that SVCC is working to make low-cost dormitory-style housing available to students from outside the Blackstone area.