Duke Energy Florida builds student interest in energy careers through Youth Energy Academy
Press release from Duke Energy Florida
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Duke Energy Florida and more than 20 neighboring utilities, education institutions, and community organizations recently completed six summer Youth Energy Academy (YEA) events across Florida. The programs exposed more than 200 students to an inside look at the many career opportunities that exist in the energy industry.
Why it matters
Nationally, the energy sector faces an increasing workforce gap in both operations roles and STEM careers. Programs like YEA help build the pipeline of skilled workers to fill current and future energy roles. The academy provides Florida students with hands-on exposure to careers in STEM and utility operations.
Students are often unaware of the wide variety of careers in energy, including cybersecurity, engineering, clean energy technologies, communications, and utility operations. Through interactive workshops, facility tours, mentorship, and direct engagement with industry leaders, students spark an early interest in a career in energy.
This year’s student impact
YEA events were hosted this summer in Lake Wales, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Gainesville, Ocala, and Orlando, where students participated in one or two-day educational sessions.
Post-event surveys showed an increased awareness and interest in careers across the energy industry.
- Gainesville: 89% reported being more likely to consider an energy, utility, or STEM career after attending.
- Orlando: 69% reported increased interest in energy and STEM careers.
- St. Petersburg: 63% reported increased interest in pursuing these career pathways.
“YEA is now in its 15th year, and each year the program expands with new, engaged organizations that all work together to encourage students to explore a career in energy or STEM,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Through a combination of interactive workshops, discussions from leaders in the industry, and sessions that explore what the future of energy looks like, students walk away with a new interest in energy and STEM careers. Alongside many community participants, we’re working to fill the talent pipeline with a workforce that’s passionate and excited for the future.”