Warren, Sussex community colleges among recipients of FirstEnergy’s STEM, electrical training funding
The FirstEnergy Foundation is investing in the next generation of electric industry workers with new grants supporting STEM and electrical training at Warren County Community College and Sussex County Community College, among other New Jersey institutions.
The foundation is donating $55,000 to educational programs focused on electrical trades and science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as part of more than $5.5 million in community support distributed across FirstEnergy’s service area so far in 2025. Five vocational school and community college programs served by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) are receiving funding.
“We live in an increasingly connected, high-tech society. 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,” said Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s President of New Jersey.
Warren County Community College is receiving $15,000 to support the Readiness Initiative for Safety & Education (RISE) program’s drone training effort, which partners with local schools and police to offer free operator training and FAA pilot certification. Through RISE, 20 high school educators and 10 police officers are expected to earn their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate each year.
At Sussex County Community College, a $10,000 grant will create a tool-loan program for students enrolled in the college’s Electrical Line Worker program and help purchase electrical safety gear for low-income students.
Other programs receiving grants include:
- Brookdale Community College Foundation Trust, Monmouth County ($20,000): Enhancing seven electrical engineering lab stations used by more than 230 students.
- Ocean County College Foundation ($5,000): Supporting the Cosmos Classroom at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, serving nearly 8,000 K–12 students annually.
- Ocean County Foundation for Vocational and Technical Education ($5,000): Providing electrical supplies for nearly 150 students in the Electrical Trade Technology program’s simulated work environment.
JCP&L volunteers also participated in Career Day events at Ocean County Vocational and Technical School and regularly host school STEM groups for behind-the-scenes visits to grid operations facilities in Holmdel and Morristown.
The FirstEnergy Foundation provides support to 501(c)(3) organizations that serve communities in JCP&L’s territory and other areas where the company operates. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
