First Energy provides funding for electrical lab upgrades

First Energy, a longtime partner of Fairmont State University, presented a $16,500 check and donated equipment to the College of Science of Technology’s Engineering Technology program on Thursday. 

The funding will be used to significantly improve lab equipment used for electronic testing. The university is preparing for a large incoming class of freshman Electrical/Electronic Engineering students and the money will be used to purchase instrumentation equipment to create a more consistent, high technology lab experience. 

First Energy also donated three used Tektronix Digital Oscilloscopes for the program. 

Fairmont State President Dr. Mirta Martin said the money will allow students to work with state-of-the-art technology they will be using in the industry after they leave Fairmont State. 

“This is not alien technology but rather that which they’ve been using in the classroom. We’re able to bridge the difference of theory into practical application,” she said. “The partnership with First Energy is critical, not only do they provide us with financial support, but just as important what they do is provide us internships with shadow programs so when our students leave here they have practical applications in the field into which they are entering.” 

First Energy’s Holly Kaufman, president of West Virginia operations, said the idea was sparked by an employee who realized there was a need for the equipment. 

“This is very important. It’s the feeder system to our employees, number one, and number two you like to see people in the area succeed and certainly we want to keep our employees, our people in West Virginia once they graduate,” she said. “We don’t want them to leave, so getting involved on the early side can help them get the skills that they need so when they come to us to work, they’re going to be that much more productive.”

 

First EnergyFairmont State FoundationCollege of Science and TechnologyElectrical Engineering