FPUA outlines expanded partnership with Boys & Girls Club to boost youth STEM, safety and career exposure

Fort Pierce — Fort Pierce Utilities Authority staff and the Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County told the board on Oct. 7 about an expanded strategic partnership that links FPUA sponsorships, staff volunteers and hands‑on programming for youth across a four‑quarter curriculum focused on infrastructure, safety, wellness/service and entrepreneurship.

Kevin Daniels, FPUA public relations specialist, said the sponsorship program has shifted toward deeper, recurring engagement rather than one‑time donations. “We don't want to be in a type of relationship where we're just simply writing a check,” Daniels said, describing criteria staff use to select partners and the authority’s interest in relationships that offer staff volunteer opportunities and visible educational impact in FPUA’s service area.

Gabri (Gabby) Simpson, vice president of donor stewardship for Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County, described the club’s reach — 16,000 youth served countywide with roughly 2,500 in FPUA’s service area annually — and how FPUA staff have supported mock competitions, fundraisers and hands‑on safety demonstrations. The planned 2025‑26 activities include a quarter devoted to mini infrastructure/engineer activities tied to the wastewater plant relocation and another quarter focused on energy safety and “myth busters,” where FPUA crews can demonstrate safe practices.

The presentation was informational; no board action was required. Board members encouraged expanding career panels and internship opportunities for high‑school‑age and older youth and suggested linking programming with local school academy and career pathways.

Ending: Staff said FPUA will continue developing the curriculum and explore internship models for older alumni of the Boys & Girls Club to create a pipeline of future employees and community engagement.