#United States #STEM Education #FirstEnergy #Holmdel, New Jersey #Electrical Trades

FirstEnergy Foundation Fuels the Future of Electric Industry Careers

As the electric industry continues to evolve, the FirstEnergy Foundation is at the forefront of nurturing future professionals with its recent $55,000 donation directed towards educational programs in New Jersey. This initiative aims to inspire students from elementary through college level to engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), specifically within the electrical trades.

The contribution is part of a larger commitment by FirstEnergy, which has distributed over $5.5 million in community support throughout its service areas in 2025 alone. The funds are set to benefit five vocational and community college programs located in regions serviced by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCPL), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy.

Empowering Educational Institutions

The FirstEnergy Foundation grants are designed to support a variety of innovative programs:
1. Brookdale Community College Foundation Trust in Monmouth County received $20,000. This funding will enhance seven electrical engineering laboratory stations that cater to over 230 students, focusing on crucial areas like electronics, circuit design, and industrial automation.
2. Warren County College Foundation secured $15,000 for its Readiness Initiative for Safety Education (RISE) program. This initiative offers drone training in collaboration with local schools and police, leading to FAA Remote Pilot Certificates for participants.
3. Sussex County Community College obtained $10,000 to create a tool loan program for its Electrical Line Worker students, ensuring they have access to essential equipment and safety gear.
4. Ocean County College Foundation received $5,000 to support the Cosmos Classroom program at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, impacting nearly 8,000 K-12 students through educational field trips and community collaborations.
5. Finally, a grant of $5,000 was awarded to the Ocean County Foundation for Vocational and Technical Education, which will provide electrical supplies for the simulation training of about 150 students enrolled in the Electrical Trade Technology program.

Beyond Financial Contributions

FirstEnergy’s impact extends beyond mere financial support. Employees from JCPL take an active role in community engagement. Earlier this year, they participated in Career Day events at the Ocean County Vocational and Technical School, sharing their firsthand experiences with the students in the Electrical Trade Technology program. Additionally, the company frequently invites STEM-focused groups from local schools to its Holmdel and Morristown headquarters, allowing these students to gain insight into the management processes behind power distribution.

As Doug Mokoid, President of FirstEnergy's New Jersey operations, stated, “We live in an increasingly connected, high-tech society. We must prepare the next generation to meet those demands... STEM is a vital part of the future.” He emphasized New Jersey's legacy of innovation, dating back to the invention of the light bulb, and conveyed pride in continuing this tradition through community support.

Application for Future Grants

Educational institutions seeking support from the FirstEnergy Foundation must be recognized as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits and serve communities within JCPL's operational areas. Notably, the Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications; instead, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the Community Involvement Consultant, Alix Hayes.

JCPL’s service footprint includes over 1.2 million customers across various counties in New Jersey. FirstEnergy aligns its operations with a commitment to safety and reliability, serving more than six million customers across multiple states, with around 24,000 miles of transmission lines.

For updates and more information, follow JCPL on social media or visit their website.