Since our scholarship program first began in 2014, BluEarth has awarded nearly $125,000 to post-secondary students in Canada and the United States.
Our scholarship program is an important part of our commitment to giving back to the communities where we live, work and operate. In addition to financial support, this scholarship offers a unique opportunity for recipients to be paired with a BluEarth learning partner for the academic year to provide support and mentorship, while learning more about renewable energy.
Meet our 2024/25 scholarship recipients below.
Recipient of the Indigenous Peoples Scholarship
Thomas McIvor
My name is Thomas, and I’m from the Coldwater Indian Band. I’m currently studying in the Nłeʔkepmx Language Fluency Diploma program at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, where I’m working to reclaim and revitalize my ancestral language. This scholarship means a lot to me, as it eases the financial challenges of school and allows me to fully immerse myself in my studies. As someone who finds a deep connection to my culture through being outdoors and hiking on my ancestral lands, I truly appreciate BluEarth Renewables’ commitment to bringing more renewable energy to the power grid.
Protecting the environment and finding sustainable energy solutions are values that resonate with me and my community. I believe that renewable energy is essential for preserving the natural landscapes we depend on and cherish.
BluEarth’s mission to make a difference through renewable energy is something I proudly support. Like my work in language revitalization, which aims to preserve cultural heritage, BluEarth’s efforts in renewable energy protect the Earth for future generations. I’m so grateful for this scholarship because it represents not just financial support, but also a shared commitment to a sustainable future.
Thank you, BluEarth Renewables.
Program: Nłeʔkepmx Language Fluency Diploma
School: Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
First Nation: Coldwater Indian Band
Hometown: Merritt, British Columbia
Recipient of the Indigenous Peoples Scholarship
Joe-Thomas Ignace
Wéytkp (hello), Joe-Thomas Stsmél’cqen Ignace ren skwékwst (is my name), te Skeetchestn re st’e7é7k-wen(I come from), Secwecwpemc-ken re Ron Ignace ren qé7tse (father) ell Marianne Ignace ren kí7ce (mother). I am writing to sincerely say yerí7 re skukstsétsemc* (thank you so much) for selecting me to receive a BluEarth Renewables’ Indigenous Peoples Scholarship. I am currently in my third year of studies at Thompson Rivers University, majoring in Biology. I have taken various classes, such as Ecology and Evolution of Land Plants, highlighting the diversity and importance of renewable energies and their essential role in creating a sustainable future for coming generations.
This award allows me to focus on my studies without the added burden of financial strain. Being a student is challenging enough as I strive to attain and maintain good academic standing. In today’s economy, and growing up on a reservation away from major cities, adds an additional layer of financial difficulty that many other students and I face. The costs of rent, utilities, groceries and additional fees can be overwhelming. BluEarth’s generous contribution provides me with peace of mind, allowing me to focus solely on my studies without constant worry over financial challenges.
I am aiming to enter the medical field, with hopes of attending medical school one day. My goal is to become a doctor who can help heal and bridge current medicine with the traditional practices I learned as a child. Once again, thank you for your generous support.
Kukwstsétsemc ell lé7es ke7 sw7ec (Thank you and take care of yourself)!
Program: Bachelor of Science, Biology
School: Thompson Rivers University
First Nation: Skeetchestn Indian Band
Hometown: Savona, British Columbia
Recipient of the Community Leaders Scholarship
Alexa Rigonan
Hello! My name is Alexa Rigonan, and I am currently in my second year pursuing Planning at the University of Waterloo. I plan to specialize in land development in hopes of promoting best practices of sustainability to tackle cities’ impacts towards climate change and biodiversity loss due to urban forms and lack of knowledge about renewable energy use. I went into this field with the intention of combining my passions: environmental advocacy, interest towards city structures, design, and community empowerment.
I have always valued education and have a continuous desire to learn more about improving the world for its people, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized. As a first-generation immigrant, my family and I came to this country with a dream of seeking better opportunities for personal development and growth. This scholarship and mentorship both materialize this dream, as these are two very important opportunities that will help boost my career in the realm of environmental studies.
Thank you once again to BluEarth Renewables, as now I can focus more on my education, being one step closer to my dream of working in the public’s interests while establishing sustainable and equitable systems within our cities.
Program: Bachelor of Planning
School: University of Waterloo
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
Recipient of the Community Leaders Scholarship
Danny Guenther
Hi! My name is Danny Guenther, and I am currently attending classes at the University of Calgary in their School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape (SAPL). I am halfway through my first year in Bachelor of Design in City Innovation and excited to finish the first of eight amazing terms. Receiving this scholarship means so much since paying for tuition can be a heavy burden on any post-secondary student. Having these opportunities to apply for chances to relieve that stress are truly lifesavers and that is exactly what the BluEarth Renewables’ Community Leaders Scholarship has done for me.
Having these funds graciously given allows me to spend more time focusing on excelling in my studies and less time stressing over how to pay the costly amounts that come with university. What led me to finding and applying for this particular scholarship was the transdisciplinary aspect of my course, rather than solely focusing on architecture SAPL believes in a different approach. As a result of this we experience a variety of different classes tailored to the built environment, including a sustainability course we took this semester. Within this course we have already discussed so much on renewable energy in future cities, and I hope to continue to understand and apply these concepts into my work once I graduate. I went into this program assuming I would come out into the architect field, but now thanks to these classes and BluEarth I can see myself extending my skills into environmental fields.
Program: Bachelor of Design, City Innovation
School: University of Calgary
Hometown: Enchant, Alberta
Recipient of the Community Leaders Scholarship
Lauren Forney
As a junior at Spelman College pursuing a degree in Health Science, my goal is to work in the field of dermatology, where I can combine my passion for health and wellness with my commitment to community service.
Since founding a Community Service Academy at age 12, I have aimed to empower young people to lead through service, earning recognition from the Texas Board of Education as Student Hero of the Year and receiving the Presidential Service Award from two U.S. presidents. My commitment to community also extends to renewable energy, where I have coordinated initiatives such as community clean-ups to promote environmental awareness.
Recently, I completed an internship conducting cancer research on breast cancer in collaboration with Morehouse School of Medicine, which allowed me to hone my research skills. As a Major Meet Up Guide at Spelman, I support fellow Health Science majors by helping them stay on track academically and thrive in college and beyond.
The BluEarth Renewables Community Leaders Scholarship will have a tremendous impact on my journey, both financially and as a validation of my dedication to a sustainable future. This scholarship will not only support my studies but also allow me to deepen my understanding of renewable energy’s role in healthcare.
Outside of my studies, I am also passionate about public speaking, advocacy, and teamwork. I enjoy trying out new healthy recipes, hiking, and volunteering at community health fairs, which helps me stay connected to my passion for service, health, and wellness.
Program: Bachelor of Health Science
School: Spelman College
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Recipient of the Renewable Energy Trades Scholarship
Zackary Cassalman
Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for awarding me a BluEarth Renewables Scholarship. This will make a big difference in my education plans and future career opportunities. Financially speaking this scholarship will be a great help acquire textbooks for my current courses and to ensure I have the proper safety gear for entering the field.
Renewable energy is a rapidly growing field with many opportunities across the nation. It is very important to the integrity of the future of our planet and, if I am able to get into this field, I will feel satisfied in helping future generations have renewable energy. My Dad has been in renewable energy for over 10 years. He started in safety then moved to become a civil superintendent. My older brother is also in this field where he started as a heavy machine operator with the install crew and he is now in the same field in Australia. My twin brother is a heavy machine operator on a wind turbine project, in Nova Scotia.
Together, with my guidance counsellor and Indigenous representative, we decided my best educational path would be the Wind Turbine Technician program at St. Lawrence College, in Kingston. This, along with the Heavy Machine Operator course that I have already completed at 5th Wheel Training Institute, will give me a wide variety of options to be able to enter the renewables energy sector.
Program: Wind Turbine Technician Program
School: St. Lawrence College
First Nation: Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
Hometown: Trenton, Ontario
Recipient of the Renewable Energy Trades Scholarship
Wren Droesse
My name is Wren Droesse, and I am deeply honoured to be a recipient of the Renewable Energy Trades Scholarship from BluEarth Renewables. I am currently enrolled in the Wind Turbine Technician program at Lethbridge Polytechnic, with plans to graduate by the end of the year. This scholarship holds immense value to me both financially and personally. As a full-time student, this support helps lift a huge weight off my shoulders and allows me to focus on my studies without a constant worry of financial strain.
Beyond financial assistance, this scholarship means a lot to me personally. It further fuels my commitment to a career in trades, and it acts as a huge form of inspiration to continue setting ambitious goals for myself throughout my future. I never would have imagined myself to be in the position I’m in today, and it’s fulfilling to know that I am making my younger self proud by achieving the goals that I’ve set out for myself.
After graduation, I plan on working as a travelling wind turbine technician. I love hands-on, challenging work, and my studies have provided a solid foundation for this career. As a woman in the industry, I look forward to bringing my perspective to a field that’s rapidly evolving and opening new doors. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity, and I hope to prove that anyone with passion and purpose can make a meaningful impact.
Program: Wind Turbine Technician Program
School: Lethbridge Polytechnic
Hometown: Mayerthorpe, Alberta
Recipient of the Renewable Energy Trades Scholarship
Ricky Naicker
My name is Ricky Naicker, and I am currently a student in the Wind Turbine Technician program at the College of Lethbridge, situated in the beautiful city of Lethbridge. I am also an electrical apprentice. This comprehensive program has equipped me with a solid foundation in electrical systems, mechanical maintenance, and safety procedures specific to wind turbines. My passion for renewable energy stems from a deep desire to contribute to climate change solutions and actively support sustainable energy practices that positively impact future generations.
Receiving this scholarship is transformative for me in numerous ways. Academically, it validates my dedication to excelling in this program and motivates me to expand my knowledge and technical skills. I plan to apply my education by participating in renewable energy projects that drive clean, sustainable power solutions. I am particularly eager to work with innovative energy companies to maintain and enhance wind power systems, ensuring their reliability and efficiency. My long-term goal is to optimize wind energy technologies and make them more accessible, contributing to a global shift toward sustainable energy.