Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Donates $20,000 to USU Eastern's Economic Impact Scholarship Fund

PRICE, Utah – In a demonstration of support for higher education in rural Utah, Utah State University Eastern accepted a $20,000 grant from the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation on Jan. 30.

This contribution will directly benefit the Economic Impact Scholarship Fund, an initiative designed to help local students overcome financial barriers and access the education they need to succeed.

The award ceremony brought together university leaders and representatives from Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, celebrating a shared vision of empowering students, strengthening the local workforce and fostering generational change through education.

Laren Huntsman, managing director of Rocky Mountain’s Hunter and Huntington Power Plants, spoke to the heart of the foundation’s motivation: “This is more than a donation — this is an investment in students who are striving to create better futures for themselves and their families. Many of these students come from multi-generational backgrounds where higher education feels just out of reach. We want to help break down those barriers and open doors to opportunity.”

Merlin Rushton, Rocky Mountain Power’s Regional Business Manager, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of continued support: “Our foundation is dedicated to making an impact in education, and while we wish we could give even more, we encourage USU Eastern to keep applying. We want to see this momentum continue, year after year.”

For USU Eastern’s Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Campus Administrator Doug Miller, this donation speaks volumes about the power of community-driven philanthropy. “At USU Eastern, we don’t rely on million-dollar donors. We thrive because of small, meaningful gifts from local businesses, families and organizations that care deeply about our students’ success. Every dollar goes further here than at many other institutions, and this $20,000 will change the lives of students who might not have had the chance to attend college otherwise.”

The Economic Impact Scholarship Fund is a cornerstone of USU Eastern’s mission, providing financial assistance to students who need it most. By reducing the financial strain of tuition and other expenses, this fund helps create pathways for students to pursue their dreams, gain valuable skills and contribute to the region’s workforce and economy.

The partnership between USU Eastern and Rocky Mountain Power Foundation reflects a commitment to building a brighter future for Eastern Utah one student at a time.