Guest Commentator: Nancy Mifflin, Vice Chairman, American Association of Blacks in Energy, @_AABE
What kind of resources are available for employers, specifically in the energy industry, to get connected with the immensely talented, yet seemingly overlooked local pool of Black talent?
I am told that some companies find it a challenge to connect to the local pool of ‘Black talent’ or more pointedly, getting to know African American students or students of African descent for inclusion in internships, employment programs, mentorships, and entry level jobs.
Interesting dilemma. Because annually, American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) conducts a nationwide scholarship program to attract graduating high school seniors to the opportunities awaiting them in the energy sector. AABE chapters maintain scholarship and fundraising committees year-round, planning and implementing outreach activities to alert students to the applicability of the STEM disciplines to energy related careers.
In 2020, approximately $150k in scholarships were awarded by the 25 AABE chapters. The 2019 scholarship distributions hovered near $250k.
Local chapters, including Philadelphia, South Jersey, Delaware, Harrisburg, and North Jersey, offer scholarships to court the ebony talent graduating from public, private, and charter schools in the region. The AABE chapters are heavily populated by executives, managers, and employees from Exelon, PECO, PJM, PGW, UGI, PUC, SJI, Delmarva Power, Chesapeake Utilities, PSEG, suppliers to these companies, and a cadre of energy entrepreneurs.
AABE members tap into their network of co-workers, cohorts in the industry, and community partners to garner support for the various fundraising events to build up the Scholarship Fund each year. Each chapter registers their scholarship application on a national database which also serves as the evaluation and winner selection platform. Each participating chapter gets to nominate three local scholarship winners for the Regional Award ($3,000). The Regional Winners are then advanced to the National Scholar of the Year selection. The National Scholar receives $5,000 per year for their undergraduate experience.
Throughout the year, the AABE organization facilitates youth engagement events to foster awareness building on the energy industry — the people, their training and education, the impact of energy work on communities, and the economy. The members are encouraged to serve as mentors to the scholarship recipients and are urged to be industry scouts to help identify ‘OJT’ experiences for the scholarship awardees. Building a network of industry contacts is key to the professional growth and is embedded in the AABE mentor to scholar relationship.
To those who sincerely want to be more successful in locating and engaging African American students and even seasoned professionals in energy related positions, start a conversation with AABE at the local, regional, and even national level. AABE chapters are always in search of mentors for scholarship recipients and other high school and undergrads that participate in the youth programs throughout the year. And yes, contributions to AABE scholarships would be welcomed by any of the chapters. Via the scholarship program, with confidence, AABE proclaims decades of successful identification of high potential students who pursue studies leading to internships and employment with energy companies across the country.
The Chamber supports an advanced, affordable, diversified, low-carbon energy economy. Our Greater Philadelphia Energy Action Team brings together 150+ industry leaders committed to delivering affordable energy solutions that will benefit the current families and businesses living and operating in Greater Philadelphia while attracting new development and growth opportunities.
