Employees of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, under the umbrella of West Penn Power, recently came together to assemble 450 STEM kits for fifth through seventh grade students in Westmoreland County school districts. The kits consist of build-it-yourself flashlight kits, designed to introduce children to the concept of electricity and its role in brightening our lives.
The initiative, supported by FirstEnergy and the FirstEnergy Foundation, aims to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Foundation provided a $5,000 grant for the STEM kits in western Pennsylvania.
Lori Swettlen, a Senior Business Analyst in FirstEnergy's energy efficiency department, highlighted the importance of introducing children to the electric utility industry and generating interest in STEM careers from a young age. Swettlen, along with numerous other FirstEnergy volunteers, helped package the flashlight kits.
Elisha Serotta, Volunteer Coordinator for the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, explained that teachers would decide whether students build the flashlights in class or take on the project at home. The kits include aluminum foil for wiring and tiny LED bulbs, making science and technology engaging through fun activities.
One of the lessons provided in the packet encourages students not to give up, emphasizing the value of perseverance. To further inspire students, the packet shares the story of Thomas Edison, who famously tried 1,000 times before perfecting the lightbulb.
In addition to the lesson on perseverance, volunteers included two books in the packet. One of them, titled "Epic Fails: The Race to Space. Countdown to Liftoff," focuses on problem-solving and learning from mistakes, reinforcing the message that failure is okay.
Impressed with the dedication of the volunteers, Elisha Serotta expressed her gratitude for their time and efficiency. She particularly noted the engineers' ability to find faster ways of completing tasks.
Bob Groff, a FirstEnergy Distribution System Operator Supervisor and volunteer, shared his personal connection to the project, reminiscing about his own childhood and how much he would have enjoyed assembling his own flashlight. Groff finds fulfillment in volunteering his time, knowing that it will benefit children.
The flashlight kits provided by FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company and the FirstEnergy Foundation not only introduce children to the electric utility industry but also foster an interest in science and technology at an early age. Through hands-on activities and valuable lessons, these kits are shining a light on potential careers in STEM fields for the students of Westmoreland County.