Program provides students with an opportunity to learn first-hand about natural gas industry
Chester, VA – The NiSource Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Columbia Gas of Virginia, is teaming up with the 2 HYPE Foundation to kick off the second annual joint Youth Ambassador Program. The program champions energy-related career development in the Commonwealth by providing area high school students with a chance to learn first-hand about the natural gas industry.
“We are proud to support the 2 HYPE Foundation and programs like this one as we work together to build strong communities in Virginia,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “Our young people are the future of the energy and natural gas industry, and we’re thrilled to be able to share our time, talent and resources to help them prepare to be the leaders of tomorrow.”
“The Youth Ambassador Program is more than mentorship, it's a movement. We are investing in the next generation of changemakers, ensuring they have the tools to lead with purpose,” said 2 HYPE Foundation Board Chairman Pastor Lamont Hobbs. “We're thrilled to collaborate with Columbia Gas of Virginia to bring this initiative to life. Together we are fostering a culture of leadership, responsibility and community engagement among youth.”
The approximately 30 participating students are from high schools in Central Virginia. During the Energy Youth Ambassador program, which wraps up at the end of July, they will:
- Gain knowledge about the utility and energy industries;
- Acquire technical and leadership and job transferable skills; and
- Participate in community service projects.
The NiSource Charitable Foundation is the philanthropic organization of Columbia Gas’s parent company. Through the NiSource Foundation, Columbia Gas of Virginia provides more than $500,000 annually in financial contributions to charitable organizations that share our mission of meeting basic human needs. As part of that effort, Columbia Gas supports many organizations that provide assistance during times of individual and community crisis including local food banks, relief agencies and emergency responders.
For more information on how Columbia Gas of Virginia gives back to the community, visit the Columbia Gas website.
Photo information: Approximately 30 high school students are participating in the 2025 Youth Ambassador program.
About the NiSource Charitable Foundation
The NiSource Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and serves as the charitable arm for NiSource Inc. and its companies operating under the NIPSCO and Columbia Gas brands. The Foundation’s mission is to create strong and sustainable communities where our employees and customers live and work. The Foundation lives up to its mission by providing charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and by encouraging employee volunteerism. Learn more at www.NiSource.com/Foundation.
About Columbia Gas of Virginia
Columbia Gas of Virginia delivers clean, dependable and efficient natural gas to approximately 290,000 customers in 98 communities across the Commonwealth. With headquarters in Chesterfield County, it is one of six regulated utility companies of NiSource (NYSE: NI), one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States. NiSource employees are focused on our mission to deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value to our customers. More information about Columbia Gas of Virginia and NiSource, including our record of leadership in sustainability, investments in the communities we serve, and how we live our vision to be an innovative and trusted energy partner, is available at www.ColumbiaGasVA.com and www.NiSource.com.
