DEC Inspires High School Students at Girl Power Camp

GREENWOOD, DE – Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) employees participated in the inaugural Girl Powercamp on October 3, 2024 — this was the first time the event had been held on Delmarva. The empowering and educational event provided an opportunity for young women in high school to explore a career in the electric utility industry, showcasing a diverse range of roles from linework to drone operation. Girl Power camp was held at the Salisbury office of DEC’s sister Co-op, Choptank Electric Cooperative. The camp was hosted by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC).

Throughout the day, students engaged with industry experts and DEC employees from the Operations, Human Resources, Finance & Accounting and Marketing & Communications departments. The hands-on activities at the event offered a unique glimpse into the technical skills and career paths available in the energy sector. Highlights of the camp’s activities included pole climbing, drilling, drones, a truck driving simulation and fiber splicing. Attendees also attended sessions on job preparation and financial planning.

Megan Simmons, an apprentice lineworker at DEC, helped lead the climbing demonstration where student participants were able to learn the basics of utility pole climbing, and even try for themselves. Simmons was able to share her experiences along her lineworker journey with the young women and encouraged them to consider a career in energy. “It's important for women to explore all of their opportunities,” explained Simmons. “You never know what you'll fall in love with if you don't at least try.”

In recent years, DEC has experienced an ongoing trend in which more women are pursuing jobs that have been historically held by men. "Girl Power camp is a fantastic opportunity to empower young women and show them the diverse career paths available in our industry," said DEC’s Vice President of Human Resources Dawn Smart. "We’re committed to mentoring the next generation of energy leaders, and we hope to see many of these talented young women pursuing careers in the electric utility field." Smart reports that 45 percent of DEC’s current workforce are women.

DEC and its sister co-ops’ commitment to community engagement and workforce development helped make Girl Power camp a success. By providing hands-on experiences and guidance, the Cooperative aims to inspire and equip young women with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. For more information on Girl Power camp, please visit: www.vmdaec.com/girl-power-camp

Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility powering more than 300,000 people in Kent and Sussex Counties. For more information about DEC's community initiatives or to learn more about careers in the electric utility sector, visit www.delaware.coop or visit us on social media.

DEC’s Megan Simmons, apprentice line worker instructs Girl Power Camp attendees on safety protocol for climbing poles, and assists as they practice.