JCP&L Volunteers Prep Next Generation of STEM Innovators
More than a dozen Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) employees volunteered to help the next generation “invent the future,” serving as judges for the New Jersey School Boards Association’s (NJSBA) annual STEAM TankTM Challenge in late March and April.
The STEAM TankTM Challenge invites future STEM innovators at all of New Jersey’s public schools to invent, modify or use problem-solving skills to identify and develop solutions to issues such as climate change and the environment, societal problems and situations in schools, communities, state and globally that need attention and resolution.
“Studies show kids exposed to STEAM-related concepts are better at problem solving and critical thinking concepts,” said Alix Hayes, JCP&L’s Community Involvement Consultant and event judge, who recruited her colleagues to join in this year’s competition judging. “I love how many teams and schools, not just from JCP&L-serviced towns but all over New Jersey, are represented in this science contest.”
A total of 13 JCP&L employees – representing departments ranging from Operations and Engineering to Communications, Forestry and External Affairs – signed up to participate, with several, including Hayes, judging multiple sessions. The turnout from JCP&L was the highest of any organization, according to the NJSBA.
“Our judges are the heart of STEAM Tank. They bring real-world expertise, inspire student innovators and help transform ideas into solutions,” said Dr. Timothy Purnell, Executive Director and CEO of NJSBA. “Their feedback not only sharpens student thinking but also validates their creativity.”
This year saw 550 teams participate, representing 99 schools in 69 school districts statewide. A total of 430 teams moved to the regional round, with 50 teams – 40 elementary and middle school, plus 10 high school teams – advancing to the finals. Six top teams, three from elementary schools and three from middle schools, will be presented awards at the NJSBA Workshop in October.
JCP&L Supervisor of Engineering Services Ali Mahmood said the opportunity to judge was rewarding because it was exciting to listen to the children communicate their visions for their projects and provide them encouragement and coaching.
“It was enjoyable to see teamwork in action as the children cycled through their rehearsed slides and answered some tough questions from the judges. This kind of program is important as it starts building the confidence, teamwork and the thought process behind STEM challenges that the next generation will solve in the coming years,” he said.
JCP&L employees judged presentations that included innovative ideas like utilizing drones for planting, managing e-waste and developing machines out of recycled materials.
“It really seemed to foster creativity while also giving the students a chance to walk others through their proposals at a high level,” said Dana Gibellino, FirstEnergy’s Director, Distribution Portfolio Management, who is based in N.J. and was impressed with the students’ awareness of local environmental issues. “The process overall really seemed to be a great representation of how new ideas get shared and opened up for feedback and improvement and will set these students up for success as they move through school and into their future professional lives.”
You can learn more about JCP&L and FirstEnergy’s commitment to our local communities at firstenergycorp.com/community.