ERMCO Extends Partnership with Dyersburg and Dyer County School Systems, Allocating $75K for STEM/CTE Programs

Continuing in the investment in local students, ERMCO, Inc. (“ERMCO”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (“AECI”), donated $75,000 each to the STEM/CTE programs at Dyersburg City and Dyer County schools today during official presentations held at Dyersburg Middle School and Three Oaks Middle School. The 2023 initiative marks the second monetary donation from ERMCO to the STEM/CTE programs, as the company's first presentation occurred in the fall of 2022.

“ERMCO is proud to continue the investment in STEM/CTE education,” remarked ERMCO President and CEO Tim Mills. “We believe in fostering curiosity about manufacturing, and helping the students in our community explore their passion is important. Our nation’s future is in their hands; we want to help make the future bright.”

Representing ERMCO during the ceremonies were Talent Acquisition and Retention Manager Chonda Smith, Talent Acquisition and Retention Supervisor Brad Whittle, Communications Specialist Collin Streeter, and Corporate Communications Specialist Brandon Hutcheson. The presentations occurred in the DMS and TOMS STEM labs, with several students, instructors, and school administrators also present.

“Investing in our children's futures is a must," said Whittle. "Providing them opportunities to explore STEM/CTE education and problem-solving issues with tangible, hands-on activities gives students a head start in their future work environment,” Whittle added Team ERMCO members have been welcomed on several occasions throughout 2023 to speak to students, discuss class projects, and share the workforce needs of ERMCO.

"Over the past year, we witnessed the strides made by our local school systems to grow and continuously invest in their STEM labs and students. The manufacturing and technological skills these students are learning now only make our workforce stronger tomorrow," he added.

Whittle shared, "The labs are incredible. The amount of various equipment that the students can work with impresses me. The projects lead to constant problem-solving and give the students the knowledge to look at a situation and develop a viable solution. Working with our educators and students on projects and exchanging resources has helped us all. We constantly communicate with the schools and STEM instructors, advising and helping them with projects. Many of the students have become familiar faces, and we are looking forward to opening up opportunities with them in the future."