Teachers inspire, guide and shape our future and communities. That’s why UniSource supports them behind the scenes and in the classroom.

Here are some ways we’ve worked to expand educational opportunities in the communities we serve with philanthropic contributions and volunteer projects.

Bright Teachers

We educate local students about electricity through our Bright Students program. Our engaging lessons include energy bikes that allow students to provide pedal power to different types of light bulbs.

This year, we recognized George Thomas at Wade Carpenter Middle School in Nogales with our Bright Students Teacher Award for his support of our program. He has included UniSource representatives in his classroom Family Science Nights since the 2018-19 school year.

“Thanks to Mr. Thomas, UniSource outreach education professionals have distributed more than 700 energy-efficiency kits to Wade Carpenter Middle School students and families, while more than 1,000 people have ridden the energy bikes to learn firsthand about electricity generation and energy efficiency,” said America Miranda, Program Manager of Energy Programs. “His years of collaboration and support have helped make the UniSource Bright Students energy education program a success for students and families in the Nogales community.”

Learn more about Bright Students and other educational programs.

Employees in Classroom

UniSource employees took on the role of educators at a local elementary school to support teachers at the end of the school year.

On April 30, our Customer Solar Interconnections team visited the Kingman Academy of Learning Primary School.

Team members assisted in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms, helping students in math, reading, and writing centers; they also read aloud to the classes. Beyond the classroom, volunteers also lent a hand to school faculty by assisting with preparations for upcoming end‑of‑year events.

Demonstrating Safety

Students at a Nogales school saw firsthand how to stay safe around electricity and natural gas during demonstrations at Career Day.

Employees in UniSource’s Santa Cruz County office gave presentations at Career Day in Challenger Elementary School in the spring. Employees brought an electric safety board, featuring a mini village with electrified items that demonstrate how electricity works. They also provided a gas safety demonstration. The safety board is brought to lessons and events several times a year.

Erika Lopez, a Special Education Teacher, sent a note of appreciation to the UniSource team.

“We especially value the respectful and positive way you interacted with all students and staff. Your team was highly receptive, understanding, and supportive of our special education students, ensuring that all learners were included and able to participate meaningfully,” Lopez wrote.

“It was evident that you made thoughtful adjustments to present information at an appropriate level of understanding, while keeping the presentation interesting and accessible for our students. Your professionalism and enthusiasm contributed greatly to the success of the event.”

Preparing for Back to School

Before the start of school each year, employees at UniSource offices throughout Arizona hold supply drives and help at back-to-school shopping and giveaway events.

This year, for example, UniSource employees joined the Jump Back 2 School event at Nogales High School, where they staged a table and handed out supplies, including pencil bags and highlighters.

In Cottonwood, employees donated 30 backpacks filled with school supplies to the Old Town Mission. Employees in Kingman, meanwhile, volunteered to go back-to-school shopping with students with the Boys and Girl’s Clubs of Kingman. See pictures on Instagram.