On July 25, OUC hosted the 13th annual Youth Energy Academy (YEA) at the Pershing Operations Center. YEA is a national program hosted by the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), with six regional events held in Florida each year.
This year, OUC partnered with Duke Energy and Siemens to host the two-day event. This year, 66 local students ranging from middle school to college gathered to participate in curriculum focused on electricity and water. Students were from Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.
YEA acts as a bridge from the classroom to careers in the utility industry by inspiring young minority students to study STEM courses in preparation for seeking good-paying jobs within the utility industry.
During the event, Water Production conducted a tour of the Conway Water Treatment plant where students learned how water is treated and delivered to customers. Electric Distribution presented “A Day in the Life of a Lineman.” and Black Architects in the Making Orlando helped students construct towers for hurricane simulation tests.
New this year, the Orlando Science Center participated and taught students how to balance the grid through an interactive curriculum that’s part of Project AWESOME, OUC’s in-school 5th grade education program.
This year, 27 OUC employees contributed their time to the event by sharing their professional experiences with students.
The day’s events were led by Queen Massaline, Sr. Community Engagement Coordinator, and Corey Johnson, Manager of Water Maintenance and Operations.
Employees who participated included: Chris Taylor, Manager of Construction & Maintenance, with team members Jason Drayton, Line Technician I, and Steven Ramos, Lead Line Technician; Brad Jewell, Director of Water Production, with Water System Operators James Houston, Ashleigh Nombre, and Toby White; Daulton Ratcliff, Production Assistant; John “JP” Burgos, Chemist; Lead Technicians Kevin Cooper, Kraig Wyckoff, Ron Byers, Brad Fincher; and Tonie Lorenzo, Administrative Admin III.
