SECO Energy Hosts High School Career Express Event for Sumter County School District
SECO Energy has partnered with CareerSource Central Florida to host the High School Career Express Event on February 27, marking the first time the Cooperative has served as a host site for the program. Students from the Sumter County School District arrived at the SECO Energy Headquarters, where they were welcomed by SECO leadership and staff before participating in hands-on presentations to learn more about the electric cooperative industry.
Students from South Sumter High, Wildwood Middle High, and Sumter P.R.E.P. Academy were greeted by CEO Curtis Wynn, who delivered welcome remarks highlighting SECO Energy’s commitment to community engagement and future career opportunities within the Cooperative.
Following the welcome session, students were divided into groups to explore various departments and facilities across SECO’s campus. Throughout the visit, employees led interactive presentations on Substation Operations, Solar and Energy Efficiency, Reliability and Operations, and Drone Technology, providing students with insight into the diverse career paths available in the energy industry.
SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned and operated by more than 265,000 members across Central Florida. The Cooperative recognizes the importance of investing in the education for students residing in its service territory. Through participation in programs like High School Career Express, SECO aims to cultivate local talent and help prepare students for future careers, with the potential to join the Cooperative.
CareerSource Central Florida is a workforce development organization dedicated to helping job seekers access career opportunities and address employment-related needs. The organization supports high-demand industries and local businesses by developing talent and fostering economic growth within the region. High School Career Express is a 7– to 10-week program designed to help students explore career pathways through company visits and professional networking opportunities.
SECO Energy Chief Executive Officer Curtis Wynn welcomed students to the SECO Headquarters. Wynn stated, “Welcome, students and faculty, I am glad you are here to learn more about the energy industry, electric cooperatives, and SECO Energy. The talented students that I have interacted with in our local communities are truly impressive. Enjoy behind-the-scenes opportunity to explore future career paths and learn from your SECO hosts. We are excited to welcome you and share our electric cooperative with you.”
Terri O’Neal, SECO Energy’s Community & Government Affairs Consultant, stated, “I would like to sincerely thank all the students who participated in our High School Career Express. We hope your visit provided valuable insight into the energy industry and helped you explore the many opportunities available in this field. Here at SECO Energy, we are committed to investing in the future leaders of the communities we serve. By offering programs like this, we aim to educate, inspire, and support the next generation, some of whom may one day join our team. Thank you for being part of this experience, and we wish you continued success in your journey ahead.”
“We are thrilled to partner with SECO Energy as a hosting site for High School Career Express, giving local students the opportunity to experience firsthand the many career opportunities that exist beyond what they may traditionally associate with the utilities industry,” said Marcela DeFaria, Vice President of Development at CareerSource Central Florida. “By connecting them with industry leaders and real-world environments, we’re helping students envision their future and make informed decisions about their career journey.
“At SECO Energy, we recognize that today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce,” said April Brown, Vice President of Human Resources & Corporate Services. “By engaging with students through programs like High School Career Express, we are helping them explore meaningful career paths while building a strong, skilled talent pipeline to support the future of our Cooperative and the communities we serve.”
Students who participated in the High School Career Express event will be eligible for SECO Energy’s Internship program beginning in Summer 2026, with more details to follow. High School Seniors are also eligible for SECO Energy’s 2026 Scholarship Program, which will award 12 students who plan to attend a college, university, or trade school in Florida $4,000 each to support their education. Applications are now open, with a deadline on March 27, 2026. Students may find more details and apply on the SECO Energy website at secoenergy.com/scholarship.
