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The John Gray Scholarship Program 2026 Submission Form

The John Gray Scholarship Program was launched in 2009 to honor the legacy and leadership of former International District Energy Association (IDEA) President John Gray. These one-time awards are offered annually to attract and retain individuals eager to learn more about energy generally, and district energy specifically.
Eligibility
Scholarships funds are restricted to individuals pursuing an enhancement of knowledge of energy either through the educational opportunities at IDEA meetings or through educational programs at four-year universities in management, engineering, finance, energy, environmental studies or another relevant field, or at two-year community colleges that offer an Associate’s Degree in engineering, operations, sustainability or similar fields of study, or at accredited technical training institutes.

The scholarship is available to all IDEA member employees looking to further their education, children of IDEA member employees, or student candidates recommended by an IDEA member in good standing.
Initial scholarship eligibility would include the following four types:

1. First-time IDEA meeting attendance for employees of member organizations or prospective members.
2. Continuing education financial assistance for members’ children.
3. Education financial assistance for employees of member organizations who are desirous of upgrading their professional expertise (bachelor, associate or technical degree or certification programs with accredited institutions).
4. Educational financial assistance for full-time students (bachelor, associate or technical degree or certification programs with accredited institutions) recommended by an IDEA member in good standing.
Submission Instructions & Deadline
Please return your completed application by the deadline of Friday, April 24, 2026 to IDEA in one of the following ways.
• Email: Send your application to Jason Beal at jason.idea@districtenergy.org with subject “John Gray Scholarship Application.”
• Fax: (508) 366-0019
• Mail: International District Energy Association, Attn: John Gray Scholarship Application,
1800 West Park Drive, Suite 350, Westborough, MA 01581.
• Contact IDEA at (508) 366-9339 if you have any questions.
Please complete all sections of the application & submit by Friday, April 24, 2026
SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION
1.Name:
2.Email Address
3.Phone Number
4.Mailing Address
SECTION 2 – APPLICANT INFORMATION
5.Please indicate your connection to IDEA.
Please indicate the institution you are attending or plan to attend.

Note: this should be the program to which you would apply the John Gray scholarship funds.
6.Name of College/University/Technical School You Currently Attend:
7.Majors/Field(s) of study/Area(s) of interest:
8.Graduation Year/Date of Completion
9.GPA (optional)
10.Please describe any relevant work experience you may have (use the space below):
SECTION 3 – Please provide short answers (250-500 words) to the following questions.
11.How did you learn about the John Gray Scholarship Program and IDEA?
12.How and when did you become interested in district energy and/or the energy industry?
13.What are your future academic and/or career goals or areas of interest for professional development? How would the John Gray scholarship support you in your efforts?
14.Who has been a role model for you growing up? What lessons have you taken from them that apply to your current educational path?
15.A. Can you share a situation where you demonstrated leadership in your academic, professional, or community life?
16.Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
SECTION 4 – SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
17.Please upload copy of verification and/or recommendation from your contact at IDEA to your completed application.
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18.If you have any additional information or materials that you believe are relevant to your application, please upload and explain why they are important.
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