National Grid STEM Program Expands Energy Literacy Access

The National Grid Summer College Scholars Program provides full scholarships to 20–25 students annually to attend Summer College – On Campus at Syracuse University. Funded by National Grid, the program covers tuition, housing, and fees, allowing students to explore STEM-focused courses—many with energy themes—while gaining exposure to college life and careers in clean energy.

“We are looking to tomorrow as we partner with Syracuse University to invest and develop the skills and mindsets of the next generation of engineers today,” said John Pettigrew, CEO of National Grid, at the August 2025 launch event.

Long-Term Vision for Energy Equity

Over the next three years, this sustained investment aims to build both energy literacy and opportunity across underserved communities in Central New York. Courses offered will span both credit and noncredit tracks and include new curricula designed around energy systems and sustainability.

“This partnership is a shared investment in equity, education, and the future of energy,” said Christopher Cofer, executive director of Syracuse’s Office of Pre-College Programs.

National Grid’s Vice President for U.S. Social Impact and Community Engagement, Robert Simmons III, emphasized the broader impact:

“More than inspiring young minds and preparing students for energy-related careers, this program strengthens our communities and drives progress for decades to come.”

How It Compares: A National Movement

The National Grid initiative joins a growing ecosystem of corporate-backed STEM and energy education programs designed to prepare students—especially from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds—for careers in sustainability, engineering, and clean technology:

Comparable Programs:

• ExxonMobil STEM Camps (Texas)
  Full-day, hands-on STEM camps for 4th–7th graders in underserved Texas communities, with field trips to NASA.
• Diamondback Energy STEAM Camp (Midland, TX)
  A free, weeklong all-girls STEAM camp incorporating art, tech, and mentorship for elementary and middle schoolers.
• LevelTen Energy Scholars Program
  Offers underrepresented college students a fully paid summer program focused on clean energy, in partnership with Microsoft and Google.
• UIC Energy STEM Scholars
  A Chicago-based, multi-semester program focused on energy efficiency and engineering for high school students.
• TEALS by Microsoft
  Brings volunteer software engineers into classrooms to expand computer science access in high schools nationwide.

What Sets National Grid Apart

Unlike many one-time summer camps or remote programs, the National Grid initiative:

• Integrates college-level, in-person coursework
• Prioritizes energy-specific literacy
• Operates on a multi-year timeline
• Targets local high school students with high-need backgrounds

That sustained commitment—combined with full funding, university resources, and National Grid’s industry expertise—positions it as a replicable model for other utilities and regions.

Broader Implications

This program reflects a larger trend: energy companies investing early in talent pipelines that align with the transition to a cleaner, smarter grid. By integrating STEM, energy systems, and real-world exposure, these initiatives help build the skilled, diverse workforce needed to support tomorrow’s infrastructure.

National Grid’s collaboration with Syracuse joins a list of high-impact, corporate-sponsored education efforts that go beyond STEM basics to focus on climate resilience, energy equity, and sustainability leadership.