By Onté Johnson
As the project manager for Advanced Energy’s University Sponsorship Program, I am excited to speak at this summer’s Youth STEAM Summit hosted by Roanoke Cooperative’s Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project. I am eager to share my experience and provide insights into career opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Based in Raleigh, N.C., Advanced Energy is a nonprofit energy consulting firm that works with electric utilities, government and a wide variety of private organizations in the residential, commercial and industrial, renewables, motors and drives, and electric transportation markets. One aspect of our work in these areas revolves around outreach and community partnership, demonstrated in part by our University Sponsorship Program.
Our University Sponsorship Program sponsors student-led clubs and organizations and allows us to build relationships and diversify our staff. Through the program, we offer opportunities for students to gain experience and learn more about the energy industry. Our latest initiative involves sponsoring — for the first time — the July 25th Youth STEAM Summit. We are looking forward to a regionally beneficial event that brings together students, educators and industry professionals to connect on topics related to science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics. It is essential for companies to engage with education, and by sponsoring events like the Youth STEAM Summit, we are playing a pivotal role in inspiring and nurturing the next generation of STEAM leaders.
Beyond our University Sponsorship Program, Advanced Energy also oversees NC GreenPower, a nonprofit subsidiary with a mission to expand public knowledge and acceptance of cleaner energy technologies to all North Carolinians through local, community-based initiatives. In 2015, we launched the NC GreenPower Solar+ Schools program, providing grants for solar educational projects at K-12 schools across North Carolina. To date, Solar+ Schools has supported 86 schools in 46 counties, reaching nearly 60,000 students. This year, NC GreenPower is establishing a new clean energy education program that will use workshops, hands-on activities and outside community experts to bring energy curriculum to the classrooms of North Carolina teachers.
Furthermore, we are a backbone organization for STEPs4GROWTH, a comprehensive clean energy workforce development project that works with employers to train students and adults to fill jobs in energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean vehicles, and grid and resiliency.
Our sponsorship of Roanoke Cooperative’s Youth STEAM Summit is just one example of our commitment to education, community partnership and career awareness. By supporting the leaders of tomorrow, we are contributing to the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that will drive innovation and progress in the years to come.
If by chance you’ll be at the STEAM Summit when it takes place July 25th in Rocky Mount, please say hello.