Local student pursuing electrical engineering degree receives Roy J. Rohla Memorial Scholarship
After chasing a career in gymnastics during his youth, including time with the Junior Olympics program in Colorado Springs, Ken Barnish began a transition to electricity. At age 13, he began a residential electrician apprenticeship. Following a move to Grand Junction, Barnish shadowed line crews in Delta, Montrose and Gunnison, and earned his line worker certificate from Colorado Mesa University in 2019. Returning to the Front Range, he apprenticed with Foothills Energy Services and soon uncovered a desire for greater academic achievement.
Barnish is the 2022 recipient of Platte River’s Roy J. Rohla Memorial Scholarship and currently a sophomore studying electrical engineering at Front Range Community College. Upon completing his coursework, Barnish plans to continue his studies at Colorado State University, earning his bachelor’s degree by late 2024 or 2025. In addition to scholastic work, Barnish specified a desire to intern with Platte River to learn as much about power delivery as possible, particularly as more intermittent energy resources are added to the grid.
Barnish visited Platte River's headquarters campus in mid-May and met with CEO and General Manager Jason Frisbie.
“Thank you for the opportunity you have given me [through the scholarship],” said Barnish. “It means a lot to me to further connections in the industry I strive to be in.”