Focus groups with customer service employees indicated that many employees are interested in starting or going back to college but face logistical challenges.

FirstEnergy has developed an innovative education program called “Educate to Elevate,” which allows employees to attend business and information technology courses taught by college professors after work hours at FirstEnergy facilities. Participants who complete and pass at least one class per semester can earn an associate degree in four years, with the option to complete another four years to acquire a bachelor’s degree.

Working with the Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education (NOCHE), Stark State College and The University of Akron, the company realized it could remove barriers to scheduling and transportation by bringing instructors to company facilities to teach after the workday ends.

Educate to Elevate’s inaugural semester began in early 2020 and was initially offered in the Akron, Ohio, area, with professors from Stark State College and The University of Akron teaching. Due to the Ohio program's success, the company now offers the program to employees in Reading, Pa., and Fairmont, W.V., through partnerships with Alvernia University and Pierpont Community & Technical College. During the COVID-19 pandemic, classes are being offered online.

"FirstEnergy is proud to partner with accredited schools that share our vision for fostering employee growth and career success," said Michelle Henry, vice president of Customer Service at FirstEnergy. "Employee interest throughout FirstEnergy proves that continuing education is important, and we're happy to provide the opportunity for as many employees as possible."

As of April 2021, 18 employees have enrolled in the Alvernia University program, which started on February 1.  Another 13 employees have enrolled in the Pierpont program, where courses began January 18. This makes a total of 51 students enrolled companywide, including the 20 students in the Ohio program that began last year.

Jo Anne Hands, HR Rep.