In the wake of the Joppa Power Plant’s closure on September 1, 2022, many families in Joppa, Illinois—a small town of fewer than 400 residents—were left grappling with the economic impact of losing a major employer. For one family, however, the closure opened new doors, thanks to the Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship Program.
This scholarship program is designed to assist the dependents of displaced energy workers by providing financial aid for tuition and fees at Illinois public universities or community colleges. It covers a full calendar year, including a summer term, for undergraduate or graduate studies. The program also extends to families affected by fossil fuel plant or coal mine closures, offering vital support in difficult times.
For the Holland family, the closure hit hard. Jeff Holland, a longtime employee of the Joppa Plant, lost his job, and the broader community felt the strain as tax revenues fell and the local school district faced challenges. Despite these hardships, the scholarship provided a lifeline for Jeff’s son, Noah Holland, who had recently completed technical training to become an electrician and was inspired to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering.
“We didn’t know Noah wanted to continue school, and we weren’t sure how we could make it happen with Jeff out of work,” said Rayette Holland, Jeff’s wife and the Village of Joppa City Clerk. The family was relieved when they learned that Noah was eligible for the scholarship due to Jeff’s job loss at the plant.
With support from the Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship, Noah enrolled at Southern Illinois University (SIU) for the 2023-24 academic year to pursue his degree. Reflecting on this opportunity, Noah said, “I was amazed that there was a scholarship tailored exactly to my situation. It’s been life-changing.”
The scholarship program is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), which encourages eligible students to apply for the 2024-2025 academic year by October 1. This program is part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which not only supports renewable energy development but also reinvests in communities impacted by coal plant and mine closures. Additionally, another CEJA initiative, the Energy Transition Community Grant Program, provides $40 million annually to help communities like Joppa recover.
As Illinois transitions away from fossil fuels, Noah’s journey represents a new path for families once reliant on the coal industry. Noah’s decision to pursue Electrical Engineering reflects his desire to stay connected to the energy sector and play a role in powering communities, just like his father did at the Joppa Plant.
For more information about the Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship Program, visit ISAC’s website or contact ISAC’s Student Engagement and Support Services.
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