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PALMDALE -Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency (AVEK) Directors have agreed to contribute $25,000 toward an Antelope Valley College Foundation scholarship program \u2013 money intended to aid students studying water sciences as their career goal.<\/p>\n
Of the $25,000 donation, $5000 will be utilized over the next two years to provide immediate scholarship assistance, while the remaining $20,000 will be placed in an endowment, from which interest that is generated will be used to provide scholarships in perpetuity.<\/p>\n
Dianne Knippel, Executive Director of the AV College Foundation, a nonprofit organization, presented to AVEK\u2019s Board of Directors at their Board Meeting on Feb. 25, sharing that the intended outcome is to provide knowledgeable employees capable of filling the future needs of local employers in the water industry. Money goes directly to students for water science courses offered at the college that prepare them to take the Department of Natural Resources test for certification. Successful completion of this certification allows students to work in water treatment plants.<\/p>\n
Scholarship funds attract students to the program, Knippel explained. \u201cScholarships are key to helping students succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
AVEK Assistant General Manager Matt Knudson told Directors that staff recommends approval of the funding request, noting that roughly 18,000 students attend classes at AVC. Knippel added that about 85% of the students are on some sort of financial aid or scholarships.<\/p>\n
AVEK has a history of getting qualified water treatment operators from AVC, according to Knudson. In fact, he said, the Agency\u2019s new Assistant Manager of Operations teaches water treatment courses there.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe in the value of having local treatment operators,\u201d said Director Justin Lane, Chairman of AVEK\u2019s Public Information Committee. \u201cI personally think we should invest (the money). The Agency would gain a lot … from a program like this.\u201d<\/p>\n