Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, awarding a total of $35,000 to 10 outstanding students from across our service territory.

This year, MEA’s member-led Scholarship Committee reviewed 129 applications from members and dependents of members—highlighting the exceptional talent, dedication, and ambition of students throughout the Mat-Su Valley and Eagle River areas. Scholarships ranged from $2,000 to $8,000, supporting recipients as they pursue higher education in a variety of fields.

2026 MEA Scholarship Recipients

$2,000 Scholarship Recipients:

• Kinley Bruno, Wasilla High School – Attending Montana State University, Elementary Education
• Madison Heasley, Mat-Su Middle College – Attending University of Iowa or William Carey University, Music Therapy
• Emily Reich, Mat-Su Middle College – Attending University of Alaska Anchorage, Biological Sciences
• Ben Little, Family Partnership Correspondence School (Eagle River) – Attending Cornell University, Computer & Electrical Engineering

$3,000 Scholarship Recipients:

• Susan Paul, Wasilla – Nightingale College, Master of Science in Nursing
• Simon Van Arsdale, Alaska Middle College School (Eagle River) – Attending Montana State University, Chemistry
• Olivia Noffke, Wasilla – University of Wyoming, Civil Engineering

$5,000 Scholarship Recipients:

• Isaac Slottee, Colony High School (Palmer) – Attending University of Southern California, Aerospace Engineering (Viterbi School of Engineering)
• Kaylee Paulson, Palmer High School – Attending Seattle Pacific University, Pre-Professional Health Science

$8,000 Scholarship Recipient:

• Teigan Copp, Palmer High School – Attending Mount Allison University (New Brunswick, Canada), Biopsychology

Investing in Our Communities

MEA’s scholarship program is one of the many ways the cooperative invests in the future of its members and communities. By supporting local students in their pursuit of higher education, MEA helps cultivate the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals who will contribute to Alaska’s future. We’re incredibly grateful to our Scholarship Committee for the time and care they put into reviewing so many impressive applications.

Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship winners!

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