Midland-Odessa students win Energy Workforce scholarships

Five Midland-Odessa students have been named recipients of scholarships through the Energy Workforce & Technology Council’s 2026 scholarship program. They were among 54 students nationwide selected to receive scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. The recipients are Valeria Ordaz, Zoe Ordaz, Damilola Daniels, Viviana Mota and Mason Perkins. Advertisement Article continues below this ad “Strong industries are built by strong communities, and this scholarship program is one way our members invest in the families who help power the energy workforce,” said Molly Determan, president of the Energy Workforce. “For more than 40 years, the program has helped member company employees and their dependents pursue higher education and build their own futures, wherever those paths may lead. These 54 students represent talent, determination and promise, and we are proud to support their next step.” 2026-27 scholarship recipients Valeria Ordaz is pursuing an associate degree in education at Midland College and plans to continue her studies at the University of Texas Permian Basin. She was selected to receive the scholarship through Key Energy Services. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Zoe Ordaz is pursuing an associate degree in criminal justice at Midland College and was selected to receive the scholarship through Key Energy Services. Damilola Daniels is pursuing a master’s degree in the physician assistant program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and was selected to receive the scholarship through Kodiak Gas Services. Viviana Mota is studying studio art at Texas State University and was selected to receive the scholarship through Axis Energy Services. Mason Perkins is studying nursing at Baylor University and was selected to receive the scholarship through Oil States Energy Services. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Key Energy Services, Kodiak Gas Services, Axis Energy Services and Oil States Energy Services are members of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Since it began in the 1970s, the Energy Workforce Scholarship Program has awarded more than $4.4 million to support students pursuing college, graduate studies or accredited vocational training. Scholarships are funded through local and national fundraising events hosted by Energy Workforce chapters. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The application window for the 2027 program will open on Jan. 1, 2027. To learn more about the Energy Workforce & Technology Council and the scholarship program, visit energyworkforce.org.