Every aspiring electrician’s journey starts with a dream, but it takes dedication, support, and the right tools to bring that dream to life. Programs like City Electric Supply’s Brighter Future Scholarship help make the path a little easier by providing financial support and essential tools to students as they begin their careers.
This year, CES received many impressive applications, and we want to thank everyone who applied and shared their passion for the trade. Choosing just 10 recipients was no easy task, but it makes us even more excited to introduce this year’s winners.
Each recipient will receive $2,000 toward their education along with a Milwaukee® Tool starter kit to help them begin their careers with confidence. CES is proud to announce the 10 recipients of the 2025 Brighter Future Scholarship: Jose Irizarry-Negron, Jason Ortiz, Jeremiah Ambrose, Andrew Stallings, Jabril Lassiter, Max Michael, Gabriel Foti, Joshua Rivera-Clara, Aidan Thompson, and Adriel Adarkwah.
Each of these aspiring electricians is on a unique path, but all share a commitment to learning, growing, and building a future in the skilled trades. Here’s a snapshot of a few of our recipients’ inspiring journeys.
Here’s a snapshot of a few of our recipients’ inspiring journeys.
Jeremiah Ambrose: carrying on a family legacy
Jeremiah Ambrose is not afraid of hard work.
He’s spent years proving this through long days in crawlspaces, warehouses, and outdoor jobsites. Over time, he even ran his own independent contracting business installing TVs and home security devices, where he discovered a real passion for working with wires, tools, and systems that demand precision and focus.
Ambrose also credits his grandfather, an electrician, for sparking his interest in the trade. Just as his grandfather inspired him, Ambrose hopes to one day inspire others to see the opportunities available in electrical work.
“I want to open my own business, and eventually I want to give other people opportunities to learn as well. I have nieces and nephews who don’t know what they want to do in life, and I want to show them that this is an option.”
Though his vision extends beyond his own family. Ambrose hopes younger generations everywhere recognize the potential the trade can offer.
Joshua Rivera-Clara: changing his path and inspiring others
For Joshua Rivera-Clara, electrical work offered a new direction in life.
Raised with challenges that shaped his perspective early on, he leaned on grit and determination to keep moving forward. That dedication eventually led him to run his own business, but even then, he felt something was missing. He wanted his work to create a lasting impact.
“I wasn’t on the greatest path before, but ever since I joined the trade I’ve been prospering and growing,” Rivera-Clara said. “This scholarship will not only impact my future, but it will also impact the people around me. People will see how much my life has changed.”
Today, he’s grateful for the mentors who recognized his work ethic and invested in him. His goal is to give back to his family, community, and the future apprentices he hopes to guide.
When asked if he had advice for anyone who might be interested in joining the trades, he didn’t hesitate to share words of encouragement.
“Keep pushing and keep challenging yourself to change the world. You’ll learn day in and day out, and it feels good to see other people look up to you and ask you for knowledge.”
Max Michael: a dedication that goes the distance
For Max Michael, dedication isn’t just a word — it’s a 120-mile daily drive to and from school.
He knows starting from the bottom and working your way up is never easy, but it’s a challenge he welcomes. Just a couple of weeks into his program, Michael has already embraced the opportunity to learn, even as classes become more in-depth and fast-paced.
“I’m in my second week of classes and I’ve already learned so much. It can be challenging at times, but that’s what makes it exciting as I get to constantly learn new things. That’s why I make the drive every day,” Michael said.
Despite being at the very beginning of his journey, Michael stays focused on the bigger picture. He understands that every electrician starts somewhere, and he views starting at the entry level not as a setback, but as motivation to grow.
Michael’s long-term goals include becoming a licensed journeyman, eventually a master electrician, and one day running his own business. For now, he’s simply proud to be taking the first steps toward a career that is hands-on, meaningful, and full of opportunity.
Looking ahead
These are just three of the inspiring stories from this year’s CES Brighter Future Scholarship winners. Each of our recipients has demonstrated grit, vision, and the heart to succeed in the electrical trade.
Congratulations to all 10 winners — we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make!
Have questions about the CES Brighter Future Scholarship? Email us at CESCares@cityelectricsupply.com.