Seventeen high school students have completed the Summer Youth Employment: Powering Your Future program at Stony Brook University, an initiative aimed at preparing participants for careers in renewable energy and advanced infrastructure. The seven-week program concluded with a graduation ceremony on August 21.
The program is a collaboration between Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), and Suffolk County Community College, with additional support from the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs, Haugland Group, and Ørsted. Students from Longwood, William Floyd, and South Country school districts took part in paid positions earning $16.50 per hour for six-hour workdays over four days each week.
Participants engaged in hands-on activities such as welding, soldering, building simulations of power systems like wind turbines and battery storage centers, and learning computer-aided design (CAD). They also learned from scientists at BNL and visited facilities operated by National Grid and Hauglund Group.
Kevin Gardner, vice president for research and innovation at Stony Brook University, said: “This program exemplifies how Stony Brook leverages partnerships with industry, government, and education to strengthen the regional workforce. Together with these strategic partners, we are creating pathways that prepare students for in-demand careers while building the talent pipeline New York needs for its clean energy transition.”
Derek O’Connor from the Office for Research and Innovation addressed attendees at the Center of Excellence in Wireless Information Technology (CEWIT), highlighting student commitment: “This was their summer. Every day they traveled from their high schools, got on the bus, and put in the work. They learned, networked, and grew as students and as future professionals.”
For many students, participation influenced their career decisions. Salvatore Cimilluca of Longwood High School shared: “Over at BNL, we focused a lot more on the science being done there. We talked about everything from wind to solar, geothermal, and nuclear energy... But it really helped solidify the fact that I want to go into nuclear engineering and energy.” Auston Burger added: “I’ve always wanted to do engineering... It’s been a wonderful experience and I’m so blessed that I’ve been able to get this opportunity.”
The need for skilled labor is growing as New York advances its electrification goals amid an aging workforce in energy sectors.
Judith Brown Clarke—vice president for equity and inclusion—emphasized adaptability during her remarks: “You have a set of flexible skills that are marketable... What you really are is a destination. People will want you because you have the skill set, the discipline, and the hunger to be the solution.” She encouraged graduates to remain curious about new opportunities.
Jannat Majid—a graduate of last year’s cohort—shared how her time in the program changed her perspective: “Going into the program... I did not think I’d be interested in energy infrastructure or welding but I grew to really love it. The industry fascinated me.” After participating last year Majid received an internship offer with Haugland Group before starting college studies.
Rosalie Drago of Haugland Group told graduates: “You get to find what you’re passionate about... earn a good living making good money with wages and benefits for yourself...” She highlighted continued investment by partner organizations aiming to develop future talent within energy industries.
Clarke closed by stressing generational responsibility: “There are very few people who can do this... You were born at the right time for what we need moving forward. You are brilliant scrappy determined. And we are counting on you.”
Supporters included Haugland Group Ørsted Whymaker NYSERDA National Grid LevelUp Kitchen as well as several offices across Stony Brook University including Admissions Community Relations Grid Innovation Development Division of IT Research President’s Office Diversity Inclusion Intercultural Initiatives Facilities Services.