Avangrid Helps Power Education Journey for High School Senior in Illinois with $5,000 STEM Scholarship
Pictured: Avangrid developer Derek Bus and scholarship recipient Natalie Flynn
MINONK, Ill., May 26, 2026 — Avangrid is helping to power the education journey for a local high school senior in Illinois with a $5,000 STEM Scholarship. As part of its commitment to supporting communities where it operates, Avangrid awarded Natalie Flynn from Fieldcrest High School in Minonk, Illinois with this year’s annual STEM scholarship to support her future studies to become a medical researcher.
Avangrid’s development team presented Flynn with the scholarship at the school’s Honor Night in May. This scholarship recognizes students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, dedication, and passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Flynn says she will be attending Heartland Community College and plans to get an associate’s degree in clinical sciences. Then, she plans to attend Illinois State University to study microbiology and hopes to eventually work in medical research. Flynn says the scholarship will ease some of the stress around paying for college.
“I just think right now is the best time to be going into something like this because there are so many new innovations in medicine and so many new technologies that are coming out to make more opportunities possible,” said Flynn. “I think it would be amazing to be a part of something that makes a difference.”
This is the second year in which Avangrid awarded the annual STEM scholarship to a Fieldcrest High School senior. Avangrid is proud to partner with the school as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local students and investing in the future of the local community. Avangrid is currently constructing its 153 MW Osagrove Flats Wind project nearby.
