FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Liberty Power, the nation's largest independent retail electric supplier, is proud to announce the winners of its inaugural Liberty Power Bright Horizons Scholarship program. The scholarship a result of a collaborative effort between Liberty Power and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation awarded three college students a total of $20,000 at the USHCC National Convention which took place September 15 - 17 in Chicago, Illinois.

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"Liberty Power's devotion to our nation's foremost duty preparing our youth for the challenges and opportunities of the future is commendable, and we are honored to partner with them in this endeavor," said Marc Rodriguez, USHCC Chairman of the Board.

The Bright Horizons Scholarship was geared towards eligible college students pursuing an education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with an interest in pursuing a career in energy or the environment. A selection committee comprised of business leaders and policymakers within the energy industry selected one grand prize winner to receive a $10,000 scholarship and two runners-up to each receive a $5,000 scholarship. The three winners were honored by David Hernandez, co-founder and CEO of Liberty Power, and the USHCC during the annual convention's closing gala on September 17.

"I was very impressed with our first-ever group of Bright Horizons Scholarship winners; it has been a privilege spending time with them. It is very rewarding to know Liberty Power is helping them prepare for their future," said Mr. Hernandez. "We are delighted to partner with the USHCC Foundation as we continue to support bright young minds pursue their educational goals."

The $10,000 scholarship was awarded to Tatiana Narvaez, who is earning her undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Rice University.

"I am honored to be a recipient of Liberty Power's Bright Horizons Scholarship mostly because I can be a role model to other Hispanic women pursuing careers in engineering," said Ms. Narvaez. "This award not only gives me a sense of accomplishment for all my hard work but it also helps me continue my goal in providing the future's energy as well as protecting the environment, and for that I am thankful," she added.

The two $5,000 scholarships were awarded to Jonathan Taylor Fairey, an undergraduate student at the Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in industrial and systems engineering, and Lawrence Valverde, who is earning his doctorate degree in materials science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

"I felt both very honored and thrilled when I found out that I was awarded this scholarship. I've always been intrigued by energy and how it is generated and transmitted and how it affects the environment," said Mr. Fairey. "With the support of this scholarship, I look forward to continuing my education and pursuing a career in energy."

"Receiving the Bright Horizons Scholarship carries great meaning for me. As a young Hispanic pursuing graduate study in a STEM field, I hope to inspire and provide confidence to my younger peers to pursue careers in STEM as well," said Mr. Valverde.

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Winners of the Liberty Power Bright Horizons Scholarship Program Announced