Around Virginia

The objectives of this challenge were to:

• Provide authentic experiences through solving problems that are important to the field or industry
• Build student awareness in Energy careers
• Link to academically rigorous science and mathematics requirements and address important student learning outcomes
• Allow students to apply technical knowledge and skills through assessing information, testing hypotheses, and problem solving
• Result in project management experiences relevant across industries, including teamwork, developing solutions, and presenting results orally or in writing

Eligible students were those taking the Energy & Power course or Energy Industry Fundamentals course framework at their high school, as well as other students as determined by the school’s teacher or staff. Students were placed on teams of no more than 10 by their school representative / teacher.

Industry partners assigned staff member(s) to serve as point of contact and industry mentors.

The final competition took place on April 16, 2019, at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, VA.

Activities and events have included, but are not limited to the following.

• The Governor of Virginia signed a proclamation for Careers in Energy Week. (Signed Proclamation)
• One employer hosted its annual PGA Charity Classic golf tournament during Careers in Energy Week. Proceeds from this tournament go to military and veteran organizations. The Troops to Energy Jobs program and Virginia’s Energy educational and career pathways were promoted.
• One employer sponsored a two-day “Power The Future Design-A-Thon” at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Engineering. This is a unique 36-hour challenge where college students from all disciplines put their talents to the test to bring ideas to life. There is a focus on developers, programmers, engineers, creatives, marketers, analysts, and business development. A $4,000 cash prize was awarded to the top team and there were additional prizes for second and third place teams.
• The Richmond, VA Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual “Mission Tomorrow” event, a career exploration event for thousands of 8th graders. Dominion Energy was the presenting sponsor and had large displays including a large bucket truck, hot truck / “live wire” display, IT, innovation, and a number of other displays to help bring our careers to life for the 8th graders.
• Several high schools offering the Energy & Power course (Energy Industry Fundamentals) conducted demonstrations led by the Energy students. The schools’ industry partners provided speakers, presentations, and “live wire” demonstrations for the classes.
• Employers participated in career fairs hosted by a number of our universities and community colleges highlighting our Energy industry internships and career opportunities.
• Southside Virginia Community College partnered with employers to promote their Power Line Worker Training Program and other Energy programs to high school CTE programs across the state.
• Central Virginia Community College has received grants from the Office of the Governor of Virginia allowing them to receive and begin constructing a solar panel to operate their new “Farm Bot,” which will be completely sustainable. Construction on the “Farm Bot” began during Careers in Energy Week.
• Employers engaged their Employee Resource Groups and internal diversity organizations to support the activities planned for Careers in Energy Week.
• Several employers engaged their internal employees to participate in an “I Got Into Energy” communications plan including internal articles, surveys for employees to share their favorite aspects of working in the Energy industry, and social media campaigns to help create awareness about careers in the Energy industry, how our employees got into Energy, and why they work in Energy.