14 HBCU Students Shine in Summer Internships

By Gabbie Ulloa-Rodrigues

Atire Miller presents during the HBCU pathway energy challenge in the spring.

Fourteen students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) successfully completed exciting summer internships after participating in the HBCU Energy Leadership Pathway. This program, a collaboration between SEI, E4 Carolinas, and several HBCUs, is designed to prepare the next generation of energy and sustainability leaders.

The Pathway's robust virtual modules equipped the students with essential professional skills. Aria Brown, who interned with the City of Charlotte, shared, “The Pathway Program modules were helpful in preparing me for my internship, especially in terms of setting expectations and building professional skills... Topics like workplace communication, goal-setting, and time management gave me a solid foundation.” She added that the focus on self-reflection helped her stay mindful of her growth and feel “more prepared and confident stepping into a professional environment.”

For Atire Miller, an intern with E4 Carolinas, the experience was invaluable: “Not only did I learn about the energy industry but I got to work on my networking skills... I came out with more knowledge of the industry and I became a better presenter and became more confident in my work as time grew on.”

These students are now armed with real-world experience, expanded networks, and greater industry knowledge, ready to make an impact! We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.
​
To learn more about the HBCU Energy Leadership Pathway, please contact us at [email protected]. ​