June 20, 2023 – Local energy industry experts are teaming up with the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) FL Chapter to introduce 8^th – 12^th grade students to the many careers in the electric utility and STEM-related fields. Experts from SECO Energy, Duke Energy, Ocala Electric Utility, Orlando Utilities Commission, JEA, Siemens, Siemens Energy, NextEra Energy, FPL, PITSCO and Mitsubishi Power are partnering to bring six Youth Energy Academies to life for 60 students at each academy throughout the state of Florida. Educational partners in the academies include McLaughlin Middle School, CareerSource CLM, College of Central Florida and St Pete College.

Events Dates:

• June 6 – 10       McLaughlin Middle School & Fine Arts
• June 11            South Florida Youth Energy Academy at St. Lucie Nuclear Plant Training Center
• June 22 &23     Ocala Youth Energy Academy at Mary Sue Rich Community Center
• June 27 & 29    Jacksonville Youth Energy Academy at JEA
• July 13 &14       St. Pete Youth Energy Academy at St Pete College, Allstate Center
• July 27 & 28      Orlando Youth Energy Academy at Duke Energy Winter Garden, Siemens Wind Turbine Center & OUC
• July                  Gainesville Youth Energy Academy at GRU

Over ten years ago, the Florida Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) incorporated a Youth Energy Academy model focused on, but not limited to, minority students. Students can visit www.aabefl.org for additional information.

The Youth Energy Academy is an interactive workshop that sparks the students’ interest in selecting an academic path toward a career in the energy industry. The students will explore high-skill, high-wage jobs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by taking a closer look at robotics along with craft & technical careers. Through tours, students are exposed to wind turbines, fiber-optic systems, water treatment, nuclear and gas plants. Through a team approach exercise, students build solar cars, learn how drones play an integral role in the utility industry, how electric vehicles (EV) will change the way we fuel vehicles in the future and other STEM-related aspects. The “Women in Energy” career panel consists of women working in energy who can share with the students their educational path toward preparing for a STEM career in the energy industry.

Kathy Judkins, SECO Energy’s Deputy Director of Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs, and AABE FL Chapter’s President stated, “It’s our quest to cultivate a future talent pipeline of local students for the array of jobs in the energy sector.”

On average, 40% of energy sector workers are eligible for retirement in the next five years. It is crucial for energy industry experts to play an integral role in cultivating its future workforce – thus giving local, talented young people employment opportunities close to home.

Judkins concluded, “We believe summer is a perfect time for students to explore and discover job opportunities in the energy industry. We also encourage high school seniors to apply for AABE FL’s STEM-related scholarship opportunities in the fall timeframe. Additionally, we encourage students and their families to visit the websites of the energy companies listed above to review career opportunities in and near where they live.”

Learn more about AABE FL Chapter and its Youth Energy Academy at AABEFL.org>Programs>Participants and >Scholarships

Get to know our latest high school scholarship winners. https://aabefl.org/2022-aabe-florida-high-school-winners/

Read the full article by clicking the link below.

https://www.burnsmcd.com/news/aabe-clean-energy-summit

Come listen to the next AABE Coffee Break podcast scheduled March 15th, 2023 and “get the energy you need”!

Founded in 1977, we boast a membership of 1400 in more than 38 chapters nationwide. We provide programming that cultivates industry professionals to become a greater resource for their companies and communities.

The AABE National Conference provides an impactful forum for more than 650 energy professionals. As an attendee, you will have opportunities to forge partnerships, network, and connect with key decision-makers. The AABE National Conference provides your company with a cost-effective, value-added opportunity to create brand awareness and increase brand loyalty.

To view registration prices and information visit the conference website at https://www.aabe2023.com/

December 15, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Defense (DoD) is the largest single consumer of energy in the United States. On December 15th, the Senate Armed Services Committee passed the House-approved language for the Fiscal Year (FY23) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sending the measure to President Biden’s desk. Of the $847.3 billion allocated for the U.S. military and other critical defense priorities, $30.3 billion will go towards Department of Energy programs supporting energy resiliency, sustainability, and ­grid support. The DoD’s net zero goal will also be supported through a new pilot program mitigating the effects of climate change

To read the complete article from AABE please click the link below.

https://www.aabe.org/index.php?component=news&id=1138

November 14, 2022

EMBARGOED: PRESS RELEASE ON AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF BLACKS IN ENERGY (AABE) INVOLVEMENT IN COP 27

November 14^th, 2022

Press Release:

SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT – The American Association of Blacks in Energy (“AABE”), the leading energy policy voice of Black America, issues this statement in support of energy policies in line with the Paris Climate Accords. 

“The threat posed by climate change requires urgent action,” said AABE President and CEO Ralph Cleveland. “We recognize the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the natural systems which is vital in protecting human health and the environment.” President Cleveland also shared his hopes for the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (the “COP 27”) saying, “We desperately hope for wisdom and for the victory of our common humanity over parochial interests.”

“As the energy policy voice for Black America, AABE is presenting a Declaration of Principles, a global coalition building exercise for likeminded COP 27 participants concerned about the impacts of climate change on people of African descent wherever they may be. We hope to underscore the importance of U.S.-Africa relations to encourage policymakers to pursue the benefits that will come from increased cooperation on shared global priorities,” President Cleveland said.

AABE hopes to underscore the importance of U.S.-Africa relations ahead of the Biden Administration’s U.S.-Africa Leader’s Summit on December 13^th -15^th, 2022.  “I consider it a special opportunity to attend COP 27 on the African continent and to have AABE’s voice included in this important global dialogue on energy policy,” Chairman Thigpen said. 

“It is my hope that AABE’s efforts and these Principles contribute to transformational energy policies that not only meet the demands of climate change, but also build a brighter future for all of humanity by enabling the voices African descent to place equity considerations at the center of global energy policies,” President Cleveland said.

Download the Declaration of Principles.

About AABE

AABE was founded in 1977, as the vehicle for Blacks in America to provide direct input into the deliberations and developments of energy policies, regulations, emerging technologies, and environmental issues. Since that time, AABE has remained the preeminent American organization advocating for Blacks in the energy industry with over 1,400 members and 38 chapters nationwide.

*EMBARGOED UNTIL NOVEMBER 14^TH, 2022 AT 9:00 AM ET*

Media contact

Name Camille Moore(externalaffairs@aabe.org, 202-712-0832)

CONTACT:
Camille Moore
externalaffairs@aabe.org

View the original article by visiting https://www.aabe.org/index.php?component=news&id=1136