FirstEnergy Foundation Energizing the Future of STEM, Electrical Trades
Photo Credit: FirstEnergy
HOLMDEL — The FirstEnergy Foundation is donating $55,000 to support New Jersey educational programs focused on electrical trades and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, the company announced Friday.
The grants will benefit five vocational schools and community colleges in areas served by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a FirstEnergy electric company. The funding is part of more than $5.5 million in community support distributed by the foundation across FirstEnergy’s six-state service area so far in 2025.
“We live in an increasingly connected, high-tech society,” said Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s president of New Jersey. “We need to prepare the next generation to meet those demands, whether they are working on electrical systems, flying drones or engineering the next great device. STEM is a vital part of the future. New Jersey has been at the center of innovation since the invention of the light bulb, and we're proud to help continue that great tradition in the communities we serve.”
The grants will support hands-on technical training and STEM initiatives for students at all levels:
Brookdale Community College Foundation (Monmouth County) — $20,000 to upgrade seven electrical engineering lab stations used by more than 230 students.
Warren County College Foundation (Warren County) — $15,000 for the RISE program’s drone training initiative, providing free operator and pilot certification for educators and law enforcement.
Sussex County Community College (Sussex County) — $10,000 to fund tool loans and safety gear for students in the Electrical Line Worker program.
Ocean County College Foundation (Ocean County) — $5,000 to support the Cosmos Classroom program at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, serving nearly 8,000 K–12 students annually.
Ocean County Foundation for Vocational and Technical Education (Ocean County) — $5,000 to purchase electrical supplies for students in the Electrical Trade Technology program.
Beyond financial support, JCP&L employees regularly volunteer at career events and host student STEM groups at company facilities in Holmdel and Morristown, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the electrical grid is managed.