MARCELLUS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL GRID’S “ENGINEERING PIPELINE PROGRAM”

Week-Long Class at National Grid First Step to Jumpstart Engineering Careers

Five students from Marcellus High School were among 20 scholars from Syracuse-area schools who participated in the competitive “Engineering Pipeline Program” at National Grid, the centerpiece of the company’s global “Engineering Our Future” initiative designed to inspire youth and attract and develop engineers for tomorrow’s workforce. The five exceptional scholars were Stephen Carroll, Joshua Miller, Eric Morris, Veronica Raymond and Ellen Brooks. Only 50 students across National Grid’s U.S. territory were selected to participate in the program.
National Grid’s “Engineering Pipeline Program” offers high school and college students the chance to learn more about National Grid and the engineering profession through a structured six-year program. Engineering Pipeline Scholars will gain exposure to the engineering industry through classroom instruction, site visits, research and projects.
“We recognize that there is a looming shortage of engineers needed to build the next generation of energy delivery systems, smart grids, and other emerging high-tech systems, so increasing the engineering workforce is imperative not only for National Grid but for our entire industry,” said Kathy Lyford, vice president of electric operations for National Grid’s central division. “We are very impressed with the work of the Syracuse class, and we look forward to continuing to nurture their interest in engineering over the next six years.”
The first step in the “Engineering Pipeline Program” is the one-week “Intro to Engineering Academy” which started on August 16 at the National Grid Learning Centers in Syracuse and Melville, New York; Long Island; and Millbury, Massachusetts. The curriculum includes classroom and hands-on activities on the following topics: introduction to the energy industry, engineering safety, natural gas operations, electric power systems and the future of energy including Smart Grid technology. The scholars will also develop group presentations based on engineering field exploration site visits and deliver the reports during an interactive live meeting with the other learning centers.