Empowering the Next Generation: LADWP and Inyo County Award the 2026 Career Technical Education Scholarship Recipients

Inyo County, CA (June 9, 2026) - The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), in partnership with the Inyo County Office of Education (ICOE), recently awarded $5,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholarships to five graduating high school students from Inyo County. This year's scholarship awardees are: Will Kemp, Creighton Campbell and Ari Rager of Bishop Union High School, Jesus Rosales of Lone Pine High School, and Avygnon Rielly-Todd of Owens Valley High School.

LADWP and ICOE have partnered for six years to establish a scholarship program in Owens Valley to encourage students to enter skilled trades and address the gap in technical workforce development.

The scholarships acknowledge students' commitment to pursuing high-demand skilled trades in local Inyo County school districts, with future careers ranging from welding and aviation mechanics to advanced diesel technology, ranch management, and vocational nursing.

"It is a pleasure to recognize this year's scholarship recipients and be part of their individual journeys in various skilled trade career pathways. LADWP is honored to be a part of this collaboration alongside Inyo County Office of Education and support vital careers in the trades for the next generation, especially here in the Owens Valley," said David Pratt, Director Owens Valley Operations Power Division Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

LADWP is dedicated to advancing the workforce in the Owens Valley through programs like the CTE Scholarship. Each year, the scholarship delivers financial support to cover costs for educational materials, tools, housing, and tuition. It also encourages students to explore skilled trade opportunities and build careers in hands-on, steady, and a union supported workforce.

"The Inyo County Office of Education is proud to be a partner of the CTE scholarship. Skilled trades are the backbone of our communities and are an essential industry in the workforce. Providing financial support to students interested in pursuing skilled trades empowers our students to pursue various types of careers that positively impact our region and prepares them for long-term success." said Inyo County Superintendent of Schools Barry Simpson.

Additionally, LADWP is committed to supporting graduating seniors through its Summer Student Worker Program, a longstanding initiative that has provided further workforce development opportunities. This program gives students direct experience in key utility operations-such as construction, surveying, and administration-while highlighting the vital role of utilities in the community.

LADWP's continued investment in the region includes the planning and development of the Bishop Training Facility, a multi-use training facility and local construction yard in the northeast section of the City of Bishop. The project when completed will provide job opportunities and training to the local workforce. It will also serve as a community space and allow public access to classroom use, office spaces, and a charging hub for electric vehicles.

For more information on job opportunities and workforce development in the Eastern Sierra, visit LADWP.com/EasternSierra .

About LADWP:
LADWP is the nation's largest municipal utility, providing reliable and cost effective and sustainable water and electricity to the city of Los Angeles for more than 100 years. With a workforce of nearly 12,000 employees, LADWP is committed to supporting workforce development, community engagement, and sustainable practices across the region.

About ICOE :
The Inyo County Office of Education (ICOE) works to enhance educational opportunities for students in Inyo County, promoting career and technical education (CTE) and ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed in their chosen fields. Through partnerships with local organizations like LADWP, ICOE aims to cultivate a skilled workforce that benefits both students and the broader community.

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