Entergy New Orleans Empowers Students and Teachers with Know Your Power Program
In the summer of 2023, Entergy New Orleans, in partnership with YouthForce NOLA, introduced the Know Your Power pilot program. This groundbreaking internship initiative aims to expose high school students to a range of career paths within the energy sector. This year, the program has expanded to include a high school teacher externship, thanks to a collaboration with Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans (JAGNO).
"The goal of the Know Your Power program is to help students identify their strengths and interests and see how these align with careers at Entergy," explained Sumesh Arora, Entergy New Orleans’ Program Manager for Diversity & Workforce Strategies. "By extending the program, teachers can shadow employees in different departments, gaining insights into career opportunities in the power industry. This knowledge allows them to better inform their students about these possibilities."
The program invited five seasoned teachers from Orleans Parish schools to participate in a two-day job-shadowing experience at our facilities. These educators had the chance to delve into our operations, explore the variety of careers within the industry, and experience the dynamic work environment at Entergy New Orleans firsthand.
"Teacher shadowing is crucial," noted Lauren Stendahl, Director of Partnerships and Impact at JAGNO. "Through the Know Your Power Program, teachers can influence numerous students by introducing them to high-wage, high-demand career opportunities."
The teachers' feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting their appreciation for the experience and the valuable insights they gained to share with their students. Their enthusiasm underscores the program's success and its impact on the local educational community.
"Teachers serve as vital links between students and educational or professional opportunities. This externship program has allowed me to expand my knowledge of utility operations and introduce my students to new and exciting careers in the energy sector," said Corchenelle Jones, an extern and teacher with Inspire NOLA Charter Schools.
Looking ahead, we are eager to welcome six high school students to our summer internship program in late June 2024. These internships are designed not only to inform students about career opportunities in the energy sector but also to help us develop a diverse, local talent pipeline.
We are deeply thankful for the support and collaboration of our partners, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans and YouthForce NOLA, as well as our dedicated team who made this program possible. Together, we are making significant strides in empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators in our community.
"The goal of the Know Your Power program is to help students identify their strengths and interests and see how these align with careers at Entergy," explained Sumesh Arora, Entergy New Orleans’ Program Manager for Diversity & Workforce Strategies. "By extending the program, teachers can shadow employees in different departments, gaining insights into career opportunities in the power industry. This knowledge allows them to better inform their students about these possibilities."
The program invited five seasoned teachers from Orleans Parish schools to participate in a two-day job-shadowing experience at our facilities. These educators had the chance to delve into our operations, explore the variety of careers within the industry, and experience the dynamic work environment at Entergy New Orleans firsthand.
"Teacher shadowing is crucial," noted Lauren Stendahl, Director of Partnerships and Impact at JAGNO. "Through the Know Your Power Program, teachers can influence numerous students by introducing them to high-wage, high-demand career opportunities."
The teachers' feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting their appreciation for the experience and the valuable insights they gained to share with their students. Their enthusiasm underscores the program's success and its impact on the local educational community.
"Teachers serve as vital links between students and educational or professional opportunities. This externship program has allowed me to expand my knowledge of utility operations and introduce my students to new and exciting careers in the energy sector," said Corchenelle Jones, an extern and teacher with Inspire NOLA Charter Schools.
Looking ahead, we are eager to welcome six high school students to our summer internship program in late June 2024. These internships are designed not only to inform students about career opportunities in the energy sector but also to help us develop a diverse, local talent pipeline.
We are deeply thankful for the support and collaboration of our partners, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans and YouthForce NOLA, as well as our dedicated team who made this program possible. Together, we are making significant strides in empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators in our community.
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