The IEC Foundation continues to find new and creative ways to encourage young men and women to enter the electrical trade and ease financial burdens. This issue, we feature two recent additions to Foundation initiatives.
The IEC Foundation National Student Challenge Program
This program engages K–12 students in hands-on STEM and electrical trade activities, inspiring interest in energy careers through interactive kits, real-world problem solving, and mentorship from IEC professionals.
“Enhancing workforce development is a key challenge for all electrical contracting businesses,” states Tom Alexander, Atkins and Stang and IEC Foundation chair. “Due to support from our partner Generac, the Foundation is able to target elementary, middle, and high school students to show them early on there is another path besides college to career success.”
The Foundation held its kick-off event for the National Student Challenge on July 15, 2025, at Independent Mechanical in Pittsburgh, PA, in collaboration with the Will Allen Foundation. Independent Mechanical is owned by Foundation Trustee Frank Monacelli, a strong proponent of workforce development, pre-apprenticeship, and positioning students for success. Frank serves on the IEC Pennsylvania Board of Directors. The Will Allen Foundation is committed to equipping students from under-resourced neighborhoods with the tools they need to navigate an ever-evolving future.
“Students from schools in the Pittsburgh area came to our shop, saw tools and equipment, and were challenged by a number of hands-on activities to experience basic electrical skills,” says Frank. “Independent Mechanical employees led sessions, supervised activities, and interacted closely with students to help them understand electrical skillsets and career opportunities.”
Nine IEC chapters, along with IEC National, have hosted or will be hosting events. As of the end of 2025, the National Student Challenge had reached and impacted more than 12,500 students and 150 schools across both age groups.
This nationwide challenge engages students in two age-based segments:
K–8 Segment: Features interactive activities focused on essential electrical concepts, energy conservation, and real-world problem-solving.
9–12 Segment: Invites high school students to create energy-based solutions or address electrical safety challenges through technical projects.
Through hands-on learning, classroom STEM kits, and real-time interaction with IEC industry professionals, students explore the power and potential of careers in the electrical industry while developing foundational skills in science and engineering.
“We are grateful to Generac for its support of this very important program,” says LaNa Al-Amin, Foundation executive director.
Tools for Success Toolkit Program
Through this program, high-performing IEC apprentices are awarded professional-grade toolkits after their first semester, helping reduce financial barriers and ensuring they are career-ready from day one. The program is currently being piloted with IEC Florida East Coast and IEC Florida West Coast. By the end of December 2025, 210 apprentices had been awarded toolkits.
“The need for quality tools emerged as a significant barrier for many first-year apprentices,” states Kelly Skindzelewski of Generac. “Students explained that having reliable tools directly impacts their efficiency, ability to learn, and confidence on the job. Several noted the financial strain of purchasing tools on their own, and many said a toolkit would prevent the need to borrow from others, improve safety, and allow them to perform tasks correctly and independently. Generac is committed to helping students in partnership with the IEC Foundation.”
The Foundation has plans in place to expand this valuable program in 2026.
What Participants Have to Say…
“Tools are expensive, and it’s hard to afford everything I need. A toolkit would remove that barrier and help me do my job the right way.”
“This trade gives me stability, opportunity, and a clear path forward. IEC is helping me create a future I’m proud of.”
“The apprenticeship connects what I learn in class with what I see in the field. The toolkit would help me apply those lessons with the right tools in hand.”
“I want to stay in this program because it’s shaping me into a competent electrician. With the right tools, I can do the job to the best of my ability.”
