There’s a nationwide movement to encourage young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – otherwise known as STEM, and our region is a leader in that movement, thanks to the leadership of nonprofit organizations like the League of Amazing Programmers.

One of the shining stars in the local STEM ecosystem and one of our Inspiring Future Leaders partners, the League offers an afterschool program focused on students from underserved neighborhoods. It recruits students as early as fifth grade and supports them through high school so they are prepared for college degree programs or careers in computer science.

Through a ten-level, five-year accredited program operated by UC San Diego Extension, students graduate with an Oracle Professional Programmer certificate. This certificated program creates an opportunity for them to directly enter the workforce after high school.

Building Talent Right Here Right Now

SDG&E supports the League through grants and in other ways. In December, STEM leaders at our company hosted 30 students for a tour of our Kearny Mesa headquarters. Among those who met with the 7th and 8th graders from San Marcos was Dana Golan, our director of strategic planning and business optimization who serves on the League's Board of Directors. During the tour, our professionals in IT and engineering demonstrated to the students how SDG&E uses technology in day-to-day operations, as well as emergency situations.

One of the students who came on the tour was 7th grader Abby Beulke, who said her favorite part of the tour was seeing SDG&E’s Emergency Operation Center. “The best thing about the tour was getting to see the inside and just know you’re seeing a lot more than the general population,” she said.

In her first year participating in the League, Abby said she is thrilled with the program. “I’ve done some other coding programs before, but they were always week-long camps, and things like that,” said Abby. “This program is something I look forward to every week.”

Abby’s mom, Laura Beulke, said she’s very proud of her daughter’s choice to join the program. “Knowing it was a 10-unit commitment, and she’d be sticking with it from 7th grade all the way through her senior year of high school - this was really her first big-girl decision,” said Beulke.

More Information

To learn more about the League of Amazing Programmers, visit their website at www.jointheleague.org. To learn more about how SDG&E supports STEM initiatives in our region, visit our Inspiring Future Leaders web page.