(left to right: Vic Bowser, Chair, Department of Applied Technology, Clarion University; Cathy Deka, Supervisor, Power Systems Institute, FirstEnergy Corp.;  John Paganie, Regional President, Penelec;  Dr. Joseph P. Grunenwald, President, Clarion University of Pennsylvania; and Dr. Christopher M. Reber, Executive Dean, Clarion University–Venango Campus.

AWARD-WINNING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

TO BE OFFERED IN PENNSYLVANIA

First Energy Corporation to Partner with Clarion University-Venango Campus

to Offer Electric Utility Technical Degree

OIL CITY, PA-FirstEnergy Corp.’s Power Systems Institute (PSI), an award-winning two-year degree program designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of electrical fields, will be available in western Pennsylvania at Clarion University-Venango Campus in Oil City beginning this fall.  The partnership was finalized at a signing ceremony today at 3:00 p.m. at the Robert W. Rhoades Student Center at Clarion University-Venango Campus. 

            The two-year program will provide graduates a Clarion University Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology degree, with a concentration in electric utility technology.  FirstEnergy established PSI to help develop a source for future electric professionals with an emphasis on overhead line work.  This is the first such program in FirstEnergy’s Penelec service area.

            “We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Clarion University-Venango Campus,” said John Paganie, Regional President, Penelec.  “In addition to offering excellent facilities and quality academic programs to supplement the program’s technical requirements, the campus is located in an area that will enable students from all over western Pennsylvania to enroll.”

            “Having the FirstEnergy Power Systems Institute affiliate with our growing Department of Applied Technology at the Venango Campus presents a unique opportunity to work with an important member of the Pennsylvania business community,” said Clarion University President Dr. Joseph P. Grunenwald. “FirstEnergy Corp. is the fifth partner in our applied technology program. Clarion University is pleased to join with accredited, certified, licensed and/or otherwise approved technical education organizations to offer high-quality educational opportunities for students in our region and beyond.”

            In addition to learning the essentials and the hands-on skills necessary for becoming an electric utility worker, students will also enroll in general education and business courses including economics, physics and English composition.  Students in the program will receive first aid and CPR certifications and a Class A Commercial Driver’s License.

            The FirstEnergy PSI program was recognized in 2001 by the Corporate University Xchange as one of the top corporate training programs in the country.  The PSI program was awarded an honorable mention in the “Developing Learning Alliances with Universities” category.  The Corporate University Xchange is a leading provider of corporate education intelligence, research, industry analysis and consulting.

            In addition to Clarion University-Venango Campus, PSI programs are available at six other colleges: Reading Area Community College (New Program Fall 2005), Reading, Pennsylvania; Raritan Valley Community College, North Branch, New Jersey; Lakeland Community College, Kirtland, Ohio; Stark State College of Technology, Canton, Ohio; Owens Community College, Toledo, Ohio; and Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio.

            Penelec is an operating subsidiary of FirstEnergyCorp.  FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company headquartered in Akron, Ohio.  Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity; marketing of natural gas; and energy management and other energy-related services.  Its seven electric utility operating companies comprise the nation’s fifth largest electric system, based on 4.4 million customers served within a 36,100 square-mile area of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

            “This is an exciting time for the Venango Campus,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean.  “We have reached an all-time record enrollment this year and have opened the first two of seven planned student apartment buildings.  Our Department of Applied Technology now offers more than 25 industrial concentrations.  We are delighted to add this new partnership and program that will lead to good jobs, and we are indebted to members of our community who have supported this new venture including our elected officials and our economic development colleagues.”

            Clarion University-Venango Campus, located in Oil City, PA, is the oldest regional campus in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.   The campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed.  Students can earn an associate degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses.  The campus is home to Clarion University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health and its Department of Applied Technology.  Clarion University-Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community.

           For more information about the PSI program, contact Cathy Deka, Supervisor, Power Systems Institute, FirstEnergy Corp., at 440-604-9722 ; or Professor Vic Bowser, Chair, Department of Applied Technology, Clarion University, at 814-676-6591, ext. 1307.

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Clarion University - Venango
1801 West First Street
Oil City, PA 16301
814-676-6591
E-mail: Latrobe Barnitz