Flip on a light switch, charge a phone or power up a classroom smartboard, and you’ll see the result of something most people rarely think about: reliable electricity. At Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative, we believe the future of that reliability starts long before a student fills out a job application. It starts in the classroom.
Each year, CVEC team members step beyond substations and service trucks and into schools across the service territory to invest in the next generation. CVEC is committed to educating, mentoring and inspiring students about careers in the energy industry and beyond.
CVEC participates in career days throughout the school year. Employees share what it takes to keep the lights on, highlight career paths within an electric cooperative and explain how power moves from substation to home. By breaking down roles such as lineworkers, engineers and member service representatives, they help students connect classroom learning to real-world careers.
Safety education is another important focus. Through hotline demonstrations and safety presentations, students see firsthand the power of electricity and learn how to stay safe around power lines and electrical equipment.
“When students see firsthand how powerful electricity can be, the safety lessons really stick,” said Lucas Armbrester, distribution engineer at Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative. “If even one child walks away understanding how to stay safe around power lines, then the presentation has done its job.”
Students aren’t the only ones to benefit from CVEC programming. CVEC also supports educators through its Empower program, which is offered to STEM teachers throughout the service area. The program provides energy education resources, ready-to-use lesson plans and classroom kits as well as 32 continuing education units for participating teachers. By equipping educators with hands-on tools and training, CVEC helps bring concepts to life for students year-round.
As students approach graduation, CVEC’s commitment continues through hands-on support and meaningful opportunities. In addition to participating in mock interviews that help strengthen resume skills, practice professional communication and build confidence, the Cooperative awards scholarships each year to deserving high school seniors to help offset the cost of higher education.
High school juniors can apply for Youth Tour, sponsored locally by CVEC through Alabama Rural Electric Association and coordinated nationally by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The leadership experience includes visits to Montgomery and Washington, D.C., where students learn more about government, civic engagement and the cooperative business model.
“At Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative, we believe our responsibility goes beyond delivering reliable power,” said Kylie Entrekin, marketing and digital media specialist at CVEC. “Investing in students through career days, scholarships and Youth Tour is an investment in the future of our communities. When we show up for them today, we are helping build the leaders and workforce of tomorrow.”
Schools interested in partnering with CVEC for career days, safety demonstrations, teacher programs or student opportunities can contact Kylie Entrekin at (256) 362-4180 ext. 256, or by email at KEntrekin@coosavalleyec.com.