NCTA’s Education Committee announced the winners of the 2026 Member’s Dependent Scholarships. This year’s recipients will each receive $1,500 to further their university, college, or trade school education.
Member’s Dependent Scholarships are awarded annually. All dependent children of full-time employees of NCTA member companies in good standing are eligible and encouraged to apply. Applicants are judged based on their academic record, test scores, extracurricular activities, skills development, and personal statements of career interest.
NCTA thanks the members of its Educational Foundation Board, who chose this year’s scholarship winners from a strong field of applicants. Sharon Robinson, Blackhawk Mining (Chair); Barb Porter, Core Resources (retired); and Matthew Farr, Tennessee Valley Authority.
Gehrig Eoff
Gehrig attends Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he is pursuing a dual major in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. A 2025 NCTA scholarship recipient, he plans to pursue a career in power generation after graduation. This summer, he gained hands-on industry experience as a mechanical engineering intern at AECI’s Thomas Hill Energy Center, where he worked around plant systems and saw firsthand the role of coal generation in providing reliable electricity.
Ashley Billiter
Ashley attends the University of Kentucky, where she is majoring in Civil Engineering with a minor in Public Policy. She is interested in transportation infrastructure and hopes eventually to pursue graduate studies in law and public policy. Ashley also completed a highway engineering internship this summer and is active in the Engineering Student Council, Society of Women Engineers, and community service organizations.
Drew Goracke
Drew attends the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where he is majoring in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering. He plans to build a career in metallurgy and mining, with particular interests in extractive metallurgy, mineral processing, and metals production. His goal is to apply his engineering education to improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of mineral extraction and resource production.
Anthony Biley
Anthony attends the West Virginia University Institute of Technology, where he is majoring in Electrical Engineering. He plans to become a professional electrical engineer specializing in control and power systems. Anthony has already gained coal industry experience through internships with American Consolidated Natural Resources and Matrix, working with electrical and control systems used in mining and coal processing operation