The momentum behind Girl Power-NC continues to grow as this impactful program expands opportunities for young women across North Carolina. What started as an idea during the COVID era through the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives has now become a thriving initiative connecting students to real-world careers in the utility industry.
After seeing the success of programs in Virginia and Maryland, S&N Infrastructure partnered with industry leaders and educators to bring Girl Power to North Carolina in 2025. The first event, held at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, welcomed more than 48 young women eager to explore careers they had never previously considered.
Building on that success, the program expanded to Nash Community College later in the fall of 2025, where over 30 female students participated through the Lineworker Program. Due to the overwhelming response, both colleges are set to host Girl Power-NC events again in 2026.
What makes Girl Power NC unique is its hands-on approach. Participants are introduced to multiple areas within the utility field, including pole climbing, bucket truck operations, underground and overhead work, locating, and fiber operations. These experiences allow students to not only see the work, but to try it themselves.
For many young ladies, the experience goes far beyond learning and becomes a moment of personal breakthrough. One participant shared how she was initially nervous about heights and unsure if she wanted to get into the bucket truck. With encouragement from instructors, she decided to try. When she came back down, she was all smiles, proudly saying the experience helped her overcome her fear. She even shared that she couldn’t wait to attend her local county fair that weekend and ride the Ferris wheel, something she never would have considered before. Moments like these reflect the true impact of the program: building confidence and opening minds to new possibilities.
The success of Girl Power-NC would not be possible without strong partnerships. Support from organizations such as Blue Ridge Energy, Duke Energy, EnergyUnited, Appalachian State University, North Carolina 811, and many others has helped bring this vision to life. NC811’s Mini-Excavator simulator continues to be a highlight, teaching the importance of safe digging and always calling 811 before any excavation.
Beyond the demonstrations, the program also shines a spotlight on the Lineworker Programs at both colleges, helping students understand the training pathways available to enter this high demand field. Many participants leave with a new interest in careers such as overhead and underground electrical work, fiber splicing, and utility locating.
Adding to the experience, S&N Infrastructure’s team, along with local college culinary programs, helps create a welcoming environment that brings everyone together. From hands-on learning to shared meals, the events are designed to be both educational and memorable.
As the program continues to grow, so does the support behind it. Industry partners, volunteers, and educators are all stepping up to mentor and guide these young women toward meaningful careers.
Brian Morehouse, Director of Marketing for S&N Infrastructure, shared, “Seeing these young ladies step outside of their comfort zones and experience something completely new is truly rewarding. Their smiles, excitement, and confidence speak volumes about what this program is accomplishing.”
Girl Power NC is more than an event; it’s a movement. A movement that is breaking barriers, building confidence, and showing young women they have a place in the future of the utility industry.
Together, we look forward to continued growth in 2026 and beyond. A big “Thank You” goes out to the VMDAEC for putting together a great program.