Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU) seeks ways to give back to the local community, and youth programs offer many opportunities to make positive changes that have a lasting impact. For this reason, FPU CEO/General Manager Britt Dye launched the Student Utility Board (SUB) in 2010.
Since then, fourteen groups of high school seniors have served on the student board, meeting once a month throughout the school year to gain valuable knowledge about FPU’s electric, water, wastewater, natural gas and telecom services. The seven-member board consists of three students from Fayetteville High School, three from Lincoln County High School and one from Riverside Christian Academy.
Through their SUB experiences, students not only gain valuable utility knowledge and career skills, but they also serve alongside FPU employees as they participate in numerous service projects, such as the Harvest of Hope Food Drive and Day of Service benefitting Hands of Mercy Outreach Center. These projects provide students with opportunities to connect with their community and make a positive difference in the lives of their neighbors.
According to Dye, “When I think back on all the students who have served on FPU’s Student Utility Board, I am encouraged as I watch them grow into leaders and volunteers in our community. Student board members become adults who understand the tremendous hard work and dedication FPU employees contribute to Fayetteville and Lincoln County through the services we provide. In fact, several members of the student board have returned to FPU as interns and employees. That speaks volumes about FPU’s outstanding merit and the value of our student board.”
The Student Utility Board’s term follows the school year and runs from August to May. Throughout the term, SUB members earn points by participating in monthly meetings and community events. Each May, FPU awards a student a $1,000 scholarship based on the points earned and the written responses given on the scholarship application. “By sponsoring the Student Utility Board, providing scholarships and offering internships, FPU is investing in our community’s future,” added Dye. “We care about the education of our local students, and we want to help them achieve their career goals. Through our involvement with youth programs, our hope is to inspire and equip the next generation of creators, innovators and leaders.”