FirstEnergy Foundation Extends Support with $10,000 Grant for York College Engineering Program

Powering Futures: FirstEnergy Foundation's $10,000 Grant to York College

In a significant boost for electrical engineering students, the FirstEnergy Foundation has donated a generous $10,000 grant to York College of Pennsylvania. This funding is set to enhance the college’s Electrical Engineering program at the Kinsley School of Engineering, Sciences, and Technology, empowering the next generation of electrical engineers with essential hands-on experiences and advanced knowledge.

Bridging Theory with Practicum

With the financial support from FirstEnergy, students at York College will gain access to cutting-edge power engineering tools and sophisticated lab simulations. The program aims to transcend traditional textbook learning by encouraging students to engage with real-world challenges involving power generation, transmission, and renewable energy systems. This practical approach not only enriches their academic experience but also equips them with the skills needed to tackle the evolving demands of the workforce.

A Necessary Investment

John Hawkins, the President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, emphasized the value of investing in educational institutions like York College. He remarked, "This is a great opportunity for us to support York College and the students who will power our communities for years to come. The investment is a win-win because it helps create a steady pipeline of talented graduates with electrical engineering skills – which are in high demand – to meet the workforce needs of local businesses, including FirstEnergy."

York College’s Electrical Engineering program, which currently enrolls nearly 60 students, prepares them for various careers including power grid management and renewable energy solution development. The demand for their skills is notably rising, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 7% increase in electrical engineering positions from 2024 to 2034, which translates to approximately 20,000 new jobs added, along with many openings from retiring engineers.

Cultivating Future Engineers

Kala Meah, the Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science at York College, expressed her gratitude towards the FirstEnergy Foundation. She stated, "I would like to personally thank the FirstEnergy Foundation for its generous gift to support and enhance power engineering education at York College. This contribution will strengthen hands-on, real-world problem-solving opportunities in our classrooms. With this support, our future power engineers will gain the experience they need to help build a better world."

Previous Collaborations

This grant is not the first instance of collaboration between FirstEnergy and York College; last year, the FirstEnergy Foundation contributed a $15,000 grant to support the college's Summer JumpStart program. This initiative was aimed at providing underprivileged high school students in York City with opportunities to explore potential careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Additionally, FirstEnergy and Met-Ed employees have dedicated countless hours to mentor York College students, sharing invaluable insights from the electric utility sector.

About the FirstEnergy Foundation

The FirstEnergy Foundation focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits that address critical community needs within its operational areas. Since the beginning of 2025, the Foundation has distributed over $5.5 million in community support, showcasing its commitment to empowerment and development.

Although the FirstEnergy Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications, further information about grant opportunities and corporate sponsorships can be found on their official website.

For those interested in learning more about FirstEnergy Corp., designated as NYSE FE, it is committed to operational excellence, safety, and reliability, providing services to more than six million customers across several states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York.