Palmyra, Va. – On Oct. 29, the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives 
(VMDAEC) Girl Power® Camp will give young women from high schools throughout Virginia, Maryland and Delaware an opportunity to get hands-on experience exploring exciting careers in the power industry.

Each year, VMDAEC hosts one-day energy career experiences in Palmyra, Va. and Salisbury, Md. for high school girls to learn about a variety of careers in the power industry from working on a line crew, in a substation, with advanced-metering technology, as a fiber broadband technician, or in the many business and operational careers necessary to keep the lights on. Girl Power helps build a more inclusive and innovative future for our communities by encouraging the next generation of female leaders through hands-on learning, mentorship and educational programs. Participants gain confidence, leadership skills and varied exposure to career opportunities within the cooperative network.

Instructors lead students through various activities in the classroom and hands-on activities outdoors at the Electric Cooperative Training Centers in Palmyra, Va., and Salisbury, Md. Campers learn about safety on the job, including how to safely climb a utility pole and operate a bucket truck. Students also meet with industry professionals and community college advisors to answer questions about career paths, scholarships and further education requirements.

“The power industry around the nation is growing in leaps and bounds, and we need to inspire a new generation of leaders to help provide affordable and reliable electricity to our communities. Girl Power Camp helps young women discover the many diverse career opportunities that are available to them within co-ops and the power industry as a whole,” says Brian Mosier, VMDAEC president and CEO.

Palmyra Girl Power Camp is Oct. 29, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Electric Cooperative Training Center at 1293 Salem Church Road, Palmyra, Va. Eastern Shore Girl Power Camp is Nov. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 6520 Walston Switch Rd. Salisbury, Md.

Palmyra registration is open through Oct. 22, and Eastern Shore registration is open through Oct. 29. To register, visit vmdaec.com/girl-power-camp.

Many partners help make this event possible, including Bradley Electro, CEEUS, CoBank, G&W Electric, Hilti, Lee Electrical Construction, Lekson Associates, Milwaukee Tool, OSR/ATK Energy Group, Power Pros Powerline Solutions, RGrid Power PLLC, River City Construction, S&N Infrastructure, Schneider Electric, Sentinel Robotic Solutions, Southside Virginia Community College, Terex, Timmons Group, United Utility Supply, Utility Service Agency, Utility Structural Systems, Virginia811, Wor-Wic Community College, Wright Tree Service, W.R. Daniel, and the electric cooperatives across Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

Headquartered in Glen Allen, Va., the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives provides safety and training, communications and legislative services to 16 electric cooperatives. For more information, visit vmdaec.com.