Nearly forty high school students in Canyon State Electric's (CSE) summer pre-apprenticeship program contributed to a global cause by packing over 28,000 meals last week. These aspiring electricians took a day from their curriculum for community service, collaborating with the international charity Feed My Starving Children to combat global hunger.
Interactive Learning and Community Service
CSE's pre-apprenticeship initiative immerses students in the electrical trade through interactive learning, practical projects, and role-play exercises. Participants, who are incoming juniors and seniors within the construction & technology education (CTE) program at Mesa Public Schools, benefit from a comprehensive education in the field. "Our summer program gives them a holistic experience of what it’s like to work in the trade. That includes giving back to those in need," said Sidney Hawkins, CSE’s director of safety and training.
Feeding Efforts Across the Globe
Feed My Starving Children plays a vital role by distributing food to over 110 countries, ensuring populations can prioritize their community development rather than struggling with hunger. "I think we’ve all made a really good impact on the world," said Anthony Ernesto Saldana, a 17-year-old pre-apprentice. "The fact that the company takes a day out of their time to do this says a lot. Some don’t even do stuff like this, but Canyon State Electric—we take our time, we feed starving kids."
Program Growth and Impact
Now in its second year, the program has significantly expanded, more than doubling in size. In 2024, sixteen students completed the program, and nearly forty are set to graduate this month. Gavin Corrales, another 17-year-old pre-apprentice, returned as a lead student to guide peers through both theoretical and practical challenges. "In my first year, there were a lot of things I was confused about. I had no idea how to do it—and I thought that was just me. But after practicing and practicing, it became second nature. Now I get to help others along that process," said Corrales.
Preparing Tomorrow's Electricians
Throughout the eight-week program, students are tasked with wiring devices, designing electrical systems, and presenting their work to peers, thereby boosting their confidence and skill. "I definitely feel more prepared than anyone else my age that hasn’t gone into this. I have a leg up, an advantage, and a head start," said Saldana. Hawkins noted, "Our goal is to ignite their passion for construction. Even though they’re young, these students could keep up with almost any first-year electrician in the field. We hope they come back to CSE when they’re looking for a career after high school."
Canyon State Electric will celebrate its pre-apprenticeship program's graduation later this month at Mesa High School, marking another milestone in preparing future industry professionals.
A group of nearly forty pre-apprentice electricians packed over 28,000 meals last week to fight global hunger. These high school students, studying in Canyon State Electric’s (CSE) summer pre-apprenticeship program, dedicated a day of the program to community service, helping international charity Feed My Starving Children.
CSE’s pre-apprenticeship program allows students to experience the electrical trade through interactive classroom sessions, hands-on education, and role-play exercises. The students, incoming juniors and seniors, are all part of the construction & technology education (CTE) program at Mesa Public Schools.
Developing communities instead of fighting hunger
The organization sends food to over 110 countries, providing nutritious meals so residents can focus
“Our summer program gives them a holistic experience of what it’s like to work in the trade. That includes giving back to those in need,” said Sidney Hawkins, CSE’s director of safety and training.
According to Feed My Starving Children, the organization sends food to over 110 countries, providing nutritious meals so residents can focus on developing their communities instead of fighting hunger.
Graduated from CSE’s program
“I think we’ve all made a really good impact on the world,” said 17-year-old pre-apprentice Anthony Ernesto Saldana. “The fact that the company takes a day out of their time to do this says a lot. Some don’t even do stuff like this, but Canyon State Electric—we take our time, we feed starving kids.”
The program, which is now in its second year, has more than doubled in size. In 2024, sixteen pre-apprentices graduated from CSE’s program. Nearly forty will graduate later this month. Gavin Corrales, 17, returned this year as a lead pre-apprentice to help other students with their coursework and hands-on skills.
Eight-week program
Eight-week program sees pupils wiring devices, designing electrical systems, and presenting in front of their peers
“In my first year, there were a lot of things I was confused about. I had no idea how to do it—and I thought that was just me. But after practicing and practicing, it became second nature. Now I get to help others along that process,” said Corrales.
The eight-week program sees students wiring devices, designing electrical systems, and presenting in front of their peers.
Canyon State Electric's pre-apprenticeship graduation
“I definitely feel more prepared than anyone else my age that hasn’t gone into this. I have a leg up, an advantage, and a head start,” said Saldana.
“Our goal is to ignite their passion for construction,” said Hawkins. “Even though they’re young, these students could keep up with almost any first-year electrician in the field. We hope they come back to CSE when they’re looking for a career after high school. Canyon State Electric will hold its pre-apprenticeship graduation later this month at Mesa High School."
