Hydropower Foundation announces the 2020 Julie Keil Scholarship for Women Recipient

September 16, 2020, Littleton, CO. The Hydropower Foundation announced the 2020 Julie Keil Scholarship Recipient is Ka’Liyah Burnett.

A sophomore at the University of Maryland, pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree. Ka’Liyah is the third winner of the scholarship, which was established in 2015 to honor Julie Keil, a passionate leader known for balancing the interests of the hydropower community with innovative environmental protection and enhancements. Julie was also a tireless advocate for expanding opportunities for women to work in the industry she loved.

Ka’Liyah Burnett was selected from a competitive applicant pool by the Scholarship selection committee for her demonstrated leadership skills, academic performance, and success in the face of adversity. Ka’Liyah participates in a variety of activities, including the Black Engineer Society, Sisters in S.T.E.M, and T.O.R.C.H (Technical Outreach Community Help), to name a few. She uses her passion for engineering to help her build her future and as a platform to inspire other women and young people.

In her application, Ka’Liyah notes that she is a “first-generation college student who grew up in a large household of six in Baltimore City.” Despite challenging circumstances, she described how she has continued to improve her academic performance and maintain strong grades. She strives to become a successful mechanical engineer within the hydropower industry.

“Ka’Liyah is a star in the making, and we are thrilled to recognize her achievements as well as her interest in hydropower”, says Shannon Ames, Executive Director of the Low Impact Hydropower Institute, and member of the scholarship selection committee. “Her personal story, commitment to her education, interest in renewable energy, and especially her devotion to giving back to others through encouragement and leadership are truly inspiring.”

The Hydropower Foundation and the selection committee overseeing the fund are pleased to honor her with a well-deserved scholarship of $3,000 to assist in meeting her goals. The scholarship will be presented to Ka’Liyah during the virtual Women with Hydro Vision program at HYDROVISION EXCHANGE November 18, 2020, at noon CST. Additionally, Ka’Liyah has been invited to attend a 2021 hydropower conference to be recognized for her award during the “Women in Hydropower luncheon.”

About the Julie Keil Women in Hydro Scholarship
The Julie A. Keil Women in Hydro Scholarship fund seeks to honor Julie and her legacy by supporting women who aspire to a career in hydropower and share her characteristics: leadership, energy, courage, strength, enthusiasm, and persistence.

The Julie A. Keil Women in Hydro Scholarship supports women enrolled in an accredited college, university, or technical school program majoring in a discipline relevant to entering the hydropower industry. The scholarship is based on merit and financial need. A grant is also made to the recipient to assist with expenses to attend the industry event where she will be recognized.

Information on future scholarships for women entering the hydropower field is available at Julie Keil Women in Hydro Scholarship.