News > The Power of Learning: Energy Education for Local Students

The Power of Learning: Energy Education for Local Students

February 20, 2026

Stearns Electric Association prioritizes safety for our employees, our members and our communities. As part of the Co-op’s commitment to safety, we presented our annual Energy Education presentations to nearly 1,700 students at 32 schools throughout Central Minnesota this year.

Each presentation kicks off by teaching students the fundamentals of electricity – types of electricity, generation fuels, conductors and insulators, and how power reaches homes, farms, businesses and schools. During the second half of the presentation, our lineworkers demonstrate a live electric home and farm model, allowing students to witness firsthand what happens when people, vehicles or equipment contact electricity.

Stearns Electric lineworkers Jake Thoennes and Jacob Jordan co-presented this year’s program alongside Engineering & Operations Support Representative Abby Gardner and Member and Employee Engagement Coordinator Katie Anderson.

“Each presentation starts with a lesson on electricity before moving on to the safety display,” Gardner explained. “It’s rewarding to see the students connect the dots with what they’ve learned and what they then observe during the live demonstration.”

“The reactions of the students to the first live arcs and sparks are sometimes just as exciting for us as they are for the kids,” Anderson described. “The linemen do a great job of homing in the excitement to reinforce the message of safety, while still keeping the presentations fun.”

While the live safety demonstration is often the most exciting and memorable part of the presentation, our presenters highlight the importance of being safe and smart around electrical equipment.

The most important safety lesson students learn is what to do if the vehicle they are in comes into contact with electrical equipment. They learn that the safest option is to stay inside the vehicle, unless the vehicle starts on fire.

“Our goal is to have students understand the dangers of electricity with this engaging demonstration,” Thoennes said. “I love sharing these safety messages and tips they can use for the rest of their life.”

“I enjoy teaching the students how to be safe around electricity and when you see their excitement, I know they are more likely to share what they’ve learned with their families,” Jordan added.

Each presentation wraps up with a student dressing up like a lineworker, followed by a question-and-answer portion.

For the past 35 years through our Energy Education program, we’ve reinforced the importance of safety via this community involvement with the hope that students will bring their new knowledge of energy efficiency and electrical safety home to their families, from generations past and those to come.

For more information on our annual Energy Education programming, please visit stearnselectric.org.