SCC announces a new scholarship for lineman students in Adair and Russell counties

Published on Feb 5, 2026

The daughters of the late Eldridge Richards have established the Eldridge Richards Lineman Scholarship to help Adair and Russell County students enrolled in the Lineman Training program at Somerset Community College (SCC).

According to his daughters, Susan R. Peck and Melissa R. Giles, Eldridge dedicated his life to building and maintaining the infrastructure that powers our communities. They stated, “His work ethic, honesty, and commitment to service continue to inspire all who knew him. This scholarship is just a small way to honor his legacy.”

Eldridge Richards (1935 – 2024) began his career with Irby Construction Company in the 1950s, learning on the job how to install transmission lines across the United States.  In those early years, modern equipment was scarce; crews dug pole holes by hand and climbed the electric poles themselves to hang the lines. After nine years, Eldridge returned home to the family farm in Jamestown, where he started his 30+ year career with Kentucky Utilities.

“There is no better way to make a lasting impact on future generations than by establishing a scholarship. This scholarship is available to Adair and Russell County residents who are enrolled in the SCC Lineman Training program”, stated Cindy Clouse, Vice President of Advancement for SCC. 

To apply for this scholarship, a student must complete an application and write an essay about how the scholarship will help them and their goals after completing the program.

Learn more about the Lineman Training Program here. If interested in establishing a scholarship at Somerset Community College, contact Cindy Clouse, Vice President of Advancement at (606) 451-6618 or cindy.clouse@kctcs.edu.