Virginia Natural Gas energizes future leaders with innovative sustainability workshop
Virginia Beach, VA. – February 13, 2024 – Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) welcomed Hampton Roads students to its Virginia Beach headquarters for a unique opportunity to learn about the clean energy that fuels their lives in a hands-on way. Conducted on February 7 in collaboration with National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, this innovative event engaged students from Newport News’ McIntosh Elementary School and Norfolk’s Southside STEM Academy at Campostella in a comprehensive day of learning focused on energy and sustainability.
Coinciding with Career and Technical Education Month, the workshop offered hands-on experiences through drone and virtual reality demonstrations to inspire students towards sustainable living and careers in the energy sector. This initiative underscores VNG’s commitment to educational opportunities that nurture the next generation of energy sector leaders.
Shannon Pierce, vice president of strategy at Virginia Natural Gas, highlighted the significance of engaging young minds in the energy sector’s evolving landscape: “We know at Virginia Natural Gas that in order to achieve our goals to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, we need the next generation of workforce. So, it’s critical that we start the education process now, getting them exposed to the work that we do and all the opportunities available to them, but also help them to understand all the great things we’re doing in our industry to achieve a cleaner energy future.”
The event spotlighted the critical roles of renewable natural gas, natural gas vehicles, and other clean energy options, with VNG employees dedicating their time and expertise. This aligns with VNG’s mission to support community initiatives that deliver comprehensive energy education and build a skilled future workforce.
Building on the foundation of previous educational programs, including a teachers’ workshop held last November, this event is part of a series of no-cost energy awareness initiatives supported by a $50,000 grant to NEED from Virginia Natural Gas. These programs benefit students and teachers by providing valuable resources for understanding clean energy, efficiency, and conservation, further enhancing educational curriculums to meet state requirements.
For more information on the 2024 Virginia Energy Workshop for Students and future initiatives, please visit Community (virginianaturalgas.com).
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Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Virginia Natural Gas provides natural gas service to more than 300,000 customers in southeast Virginia. Named a Top Workplace in 2023, Virginia Natural Gas also has been recognized as one of the safest, most reliable and customer-focused natural gas service providers and is consistently ranked in the top quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Morgan Chase
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mchase@southernco.com | www.virginianaturalgas.com/company/press-room
