Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute recently hosted North Carolina’s first ever Girl Power Event, a unique initiative aimed at inspiring young women to explore careers in utility and infrastructure industries. The hands-on learning experience provided participants with insight into overhead and underground power distribution, fiber operations, substation processes, and drone operations.
The event is designed to break barriers and encourage female students to consider career paths in traditionally male-dominated fields. Participants had the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, witness live demonstrations, and gain practical knowledge about critical infrastructure roles. More than 45 local female high school students attended to learn more about the industry and to hear from current female leaders in the industry with a panel discussion.
“We were honored to be the first in North Carolina to host Girl Power and bring together our energy-sector partners and other stakeholders to showcase the many career opportunities available in energy, technology, and infrastructure for local female high school students,” said CCC&TI President Dr. Mark Poarch. “CCC&TI is proud to offer some of the most comprehensive energy sector training programs in the region and we look forward to educating and preparing the next generation of workers in this industry, which we know will include many talented young women.”
Several partners also offered scholarships to those in attendance, including a Girl Power Essay Contest which gave attendees the chance to reflect on their experiences from the event and compete for scholarships. NC811 offered a $750 scholarship and EnergyUnited sponsored a $1,500 scholarship to support young women in their educational pursuits within the utility industry at CCC&TI.
“This event is about empowerment and exposure,” said Brian Morehouse, Director of Marketing for S&N, one of the event’s key planners. “We want these young women to see the possibilities and know that they have a place in these industries.”
Special thanks to all of the event sponsors and industry partners who participated in and supported this event for local high school females. Partner agencies included: Blue Ridge
Energy, Duke Energy, Statewide Utility, S&N Communications, NC811, EnergyUnited, Surry-Yadkin EMC, SRS Group, Milwaukee Tools, Bulwark, Bradley Electro, Lowes Home Improvement, Buckingham, Utility Solutions, New River Light and Power, Williams Electric, Broyhill Family Foundation and the Foundation of CCC&TI.
