As part of its philanthropic service to northeast Wyoming, the Powder River Energy (PRECorp) Foundation manages the Rising Opportunity Student Scholarship (R.O.S.S.) program. The 2025 scholarships have been awarded to four local students entering post-secondary education programs.

The Foundation has selected the following students for $2,000 scholarship awards:

• Cort Catlin, Gillette, Physical Therapy at Black Hills State University
• Alexandria VanVleet, Wright, Art & Design at Utah Valley University
• Danna Vilchiz, Gillette, Business Administration, Black Hills State University
• Sophie Louderback, Upton, Elementary Education, Black Hills State University

The program is made possible by a fund established by Campbell County native Perry Ross. This is the second year the scholarships were awarded.

Mr. Ross retired from business with a substantial living trust and has established an educational scholarship program to help others succeed in life. “Perry believes hard work and contribution to community are important characteristics and candidates demonstrating these traits have priority status in the scholarship selection process,” according to PRECorp Foundation Board President John Flocchini. “It is important to know that this program is open to any student - recent high school graduate or adult - who is going to classes to retool and start a new career.”

The scholarship is funded again for the 2026-2027 school year and applications will be posted in October at:  www.precorp.coop/student-scholarships

R.O.S.S. APPLICATION CRITERIA:

• Applicants must provide the following:
  • Other scholarships they are receiving and/or for which they have applied.
  • Number of dependents in the home and/or school age children.
  • Short essay on career aspirations and educational objectives.
  • Information on personal needs and challenges in seeking higher education.
  • List of activities in which applicants have participated in i.e., work experience, community involvement, etc.
  • Letters of reference.
• Applicants can be any age (not necessarily recent high school graduates or full-time college students). Adults who are entering a tuition-based education program are eligible to apply.
• While high academic scores are welcome, applicants who are solid students, hard workers, and dedicated to their success are preferred candidates.
• Preferred applicants should reside in Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan, or Weston counties. They need not be a PRECorp member to receive a R.O.S.S.
• Students awarded scholarships may change educational institutions in pursuit of their career objectives without jeopardizing their scholarship funding.
• Successful recipients of the R.O.S.S. are encouraged to apply each year provided they are in good academic standing and are continuing to pursue their educational objectives.

Established in 2007, the Powder River Energy Foundation has focused on the charitable needs of the citizens and communities in the PRECorp service territory. Since that time, over $2.7 million has come back to the communities in the form of donations and scholarships, benefiting organizations and individuals in Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties.