The Future of Energy Careers: Insight from Stony Brook’s Innovative Program
At Stony Brook University, 40 high school students from Long Island embarked on a unique summer journey, discovering the world of skilled trades and renewable energy. This opportunity was part of the A Taste of the Trades Summer Youth Employment Program, hosted by the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT), which offered hands-on experiences over seven weeks.
Unlike typical summer jobs, participants engaged in activities such as metal welding, CNC machine operation, and microgrid design, providing insights into potential career paths. Derek O’Connor, senior manager, workforce development for Stony Brook University’s Office for Research and Innovation, emphasized the program’s real-world impact, stating, “This program was not a camp. It was not an internship or a club or a class. It was a job. It was work.”
Since its inception three years ago, the program has expanded from 20 to 40 students, with a notable increase in female participation. This growth was bolstered by a 2025 grant from the New York Power Authority (NYPA), aimed at enhancing Stony Brook’s energy workforce initiatives. Kieran Kelly, NYPA’s workforce development program manager, highlighted the evolving industry landscape, noting, “There’s been so much innovation in the electric utility industry, power industry, more than perhaps the last 50 years.”
Throughout the program, students explored various facets of energy and infrastructure. At Stony Brook, they delved into electricity and power systems, while Brookhaven National Laboratory exposed them to solar energy research. Suffolk County Community College offered insights into advanced manufacturing techniques. Field trips to organizations like National Grid and the National Offshore Wind Training Center further broadened their understanding.
Joshua Felton, a senior at Brentwood High School, reflected on his changed perspective towards electricity, a field he previously avoided. “It kind of opened my eyes to it a little bit more,” he said. Similarly, Kathryn Jiang from Longwood High School found the microgrid and electric vehicle projects particularly engaging, as they allowed her to apply creativity to real-world problems.
The program also provided clarity for students like Sara Mangels, who entered with an interest in electrical engineering but left with a broader understanding of the field. Jaeleen Cabrera appreciated the professional insights gained during tours, reinforcing her decision to pursue education at Stony Brook.
Notably, Nicole Alvarado-Diaz, a former participant and current Stony Brook sophomore, returned to mentor this year’s cohort. Her involvement in the program led her to cybersecurity interests within the energy sector, and she encouraged graduates to maintain connections made during their experience.
Alyssa Turano from Ørsted emphasized the local career opportunities in renewable energy, construction, and engineering. Sydney LeGuillow of Haugland Group advised students to explore diverse career pathways discovered during the program. This advice is particularly relevant as New York aims to meet ambitious energy and electrification goals, necessitating a skilled workforce.
Judith Brown Clarke, Stony Brook’s vice president for health and inclusion, urged students to pursue what they love within the energy sector, describing it as “the new gold, the new oil.” She reminded graduates of their potential to solve complex problems, saying, “They are the students seated here.”
Original Story at news.stonybrook.edu