Education Partnerships

For nearly 10 years, Xcel Energy’s Minnesota employees have volunteered as e-mentors to the students at the company’s partner school, Maria Sanford Middle School in Minneapolis.

Employee volunteers and students exchange weekly e-mails designed to strengthen students’ writing and computer skills. They also meet twice during the school year, once at Sanford to get acquainted, and again at an Xcel Energy facility for tours and to discuss careers in the utility industry.

"Sanford's partnership with Xcel Energy has been inspiring,” says Sanford teacher liaison, Ann Mack. “It has allowed students to not only improve their writing and technical skills, but also to explore careers and talk to the people who do those jobs. We’re helping to shape tomorrow's employees through our e-mentor partnership."

Employees, too, benefit by participating in the program. “It’s a wonderful way to stay connected with today's youth,” said Jamie Mailer, an Xcel Energy employee. “I like having the opportunity to build a relationship with a student and to be able to gain a different perspective. It’s amazing to see the changes that occur from the first day we meet to the day we send them off to high school.”

Xcel Energy also provides speakers to Sanford for its Math and Science Day, as well as sponsorship for students to spend a day at Junior Achievement’s Upper Midwest Biz Town where they learn about business, finance and government.