Released on June 26, 2026
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU), in partnership with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, has awarded $31,000 in scholarships to seven Wyandotte County students pursuing careers in engineering, skilled trades, and other critical utility-related fields.
The scholarships recognize outstanding students who plan to pursue degrees and technical training in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), construction, electrical technology, mechanical engineering, architecture, and other career pathways that help strengthen the future workforce.
"This scholarship program is one of the many ways BPU invests in the future of Wyandotte County," said Jeremy Ash, General Manager of BPU. "These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their education and community, and we're proud to support the next generation of leaders who will help build, maintain, and innovate the essential services our communities depend on."
For the 2026–2027 academic year, BPU awarded five $5,000 scholarships and two $3,000 scholarships.
$5,000 Scholarship Recipients
- Gabriel Andrade — Summer Academy of Arts & Sciences; Aerospace Engineering, Wichita State University
- Luisa Castaneda — Wyandotte High School; Architecture, University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Brandon Giron — Wyandotte High School; Construction Management, Park University
- Sedric Scott — Turner High School; Electrical Engineering, Wichita State University
- Gavin Trusskey — Piper High School; Construction Management, Park University
$3,000 Scholarship Recipients
- Angel Aguilar Manuel — Wyandotte High School; Electrical Technology, Kansas City, Kansas Community College
- Gabriel De Haro — Bishop Ward High School; Mechanical Engineering, Johnson County Community College
The BPU Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to Wyandotte County high school seniors and recent graduates pursuing four-year STEM degrees, technical education programs, and lineworker apprenticeship training. Since its inception in 2024, the program has awarded $90,000 in scholarships to 19 Wyandotte County students.
Applications are administered through the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and are awarded annually based on academic achievement, career goals, and community involvement.
For more information about the BPU Scholarship Fund, visit the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation scholarship portal at gkccf.academicworks.com/opportunities/8358.
For media inquiries, please contact Amber Oetting, Director of Communications and Marketing, at aoetting@bpu.com or (913) 573-9049.
About BPU
The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility providing electric and water services to more than 67,000 electric and 53,000 water customers in Wyandotte County, Kansas. BPU’s mission is to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient utility services that support our community. Learn more at BPU.com.
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