7x24 Exchange DC Chapter awards $50,500 in scholarships for data center workforce

The 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter awarded $50,500 in annual scholarships to college students preparing for careers in engineering, IT and digital infrastructure as Northern Virginia’s data center sector keeps expanding. The program pairs financial aid with internships, mentors and industry access to help build the next generation of workers.

Why it matters: - Northern Virginia’s data center market continues to drive demand for engineers, technicians, project managers and IT professionals. - The 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter is using scholarships to help fill that talent pipeline as experienced workers near retirement. - The program gives students not only money for school, but also internships and professional connections that can lead to careers in digital infrastructure.

What happened: - The 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter awarded $50,500 in annual scholarships to outstanding college students. - The recipients are studying engineering, information technology and related fields tied to digital infrastructure. - The announcement came from Ashburn, Virginia, on July 31, 2026. - The scholarship program is funded by Chapter members, corporate sponsors and fundraising events including the annual Cloud Run and Golf Tournament.

The details: - Joshua Lazor, a mechanical engineering student at Texas Christian University, is completing a data center commissioning internship through the Chapter’s Brian Brobst Legacy Internship Program. - Ashley Nickerson, a mechanical engineering student at Virginia Tech, said the scholarship led to an internship, mentors and meetings with industry professionals. - Colby Cornwell, a University of Maryland electrical engineering student, said the industry’s mentorship culture strengthened his decision to pursue a data center career. - Don Miller, chair of the Chapter’s Education Committee, said the program is an investment in the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and industry leaders. - Lillian Rivera, executive director of the Chapter, said students gain financial support, mentors, internships and relationships that help launch careers in a critical industry. - Karen Petersburg, president of the Chapter Board of Directors, said investing in students now helps ensure long-term industry strength.

Between the lines: - The scholarship program is doing more than easing tuition costs; it is also helping the Chapter shape the workforce entering one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors. - The focus on mentorship and internships suggests the Chapter is trying to speed up the transition from classroom learning to industry readiness. - The program also reflects a broader push to support the communities around the world’s largest concentration of data centers.

What’s next: - The Chapter plans to keep using education, collaboration and workforce initiatives to support the digital infrastructure sector. - By linking students with industry leaders, the organization is building a talent base for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and mission-critical infrastructure. - The scholarship program is positioned to remain part of the Chapter’s annual effort to develop future talent.

The bottom line: - The 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter is turning scholarship dollars into workforce development for an industry that underpins the digital economy.