The FirstEnergy Foundation has announced a $55,000 donation to support educational programs in New Jersey that focus on electrical trades and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The funding will benefit five vocational schools and community colleges within the service area of Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a FirstEnergy electric company.
These grants are part of over $5.5 million in community support distributed by FirstEnergy across its service areas so far in 2025.
Doug Mokoid, President of FirstEnergy in New Jersey, said: “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.”
The largest grant—$20,000—will go to Brookdale Community College Foundation Trust in Monmouth County for improvements to seven electrical engineering lab stations used by more than 230 students. Warren County College Foundation will receive $15,000 for its Readiness Initiative for Safety & Education (RISE) program’s drone training initiative. This program partners with local schools and police departments to provide free drone operator training and FAA certification for educators and officers.
Sussex County Community College will use its $10,000 grant to establish a tool loan program for students enrolled in its Electrical Line Worker program and purchase safety gear for low-income students. Ocean County College Foundation is set to receive $5,000 for its Cosmos Classroom program at Robert J. Novins Planetarium, which provides science education through field trips serving nearly 8,000 K-12 students annually. Another $5,000 will go to Ocean County Foundation for Vocational and Technical Education to buy supplies for about 150 students learning electrical trade skills.
In addition to financial support, JCP&L employees have participated in Career Day events at local vocational schools and regularly host school STEM groups at their Holmdel and Morristown offices.
The FirstEnergy Foundation supports tax-exempt nonprofits that address critical needs within communities served by JCP&L or other FirstEnergy companies but does not accept unsolicited applications; inquiries can be directed via email.
JCP&L serves approximately 1.2 million customers across several counties in New Jersey. FirstEnergy operates one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems with more than six million customers across multiple states.
For further information about JCP&L or FirstEnergy activities visit their official websites or social media channels.
