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ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWhen we think about all thatÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s going on in the world, we know that the next generations are going to make or break how the future is,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� Hutson Carnes said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWe know how important it is to give them the tools that are necessary, and in a lot of the places we operate, these children, in some instances, donÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t have a lot of help, especially in the Appalachian region.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

Athletic Support Through Camps and Mentorship

One way Diversified Energy supports youth is through a variety of athletic programs, including soccer and football camps for both boys and girls.

A key benefit of the camps, Hutson Carnes said, is the mentorship provided by players from the West Virginia University football and womenÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s soccer teams. These athletes serve as positive role models for the young participants.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThe players do such an incredible job of interacting with the kids,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� Hutson Carnes said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s great. To see the young kids get so excited to meet these athletes they might have watched play as they come to help them is great. Seeing the athletes get on a kid level, coaching them and helping them through things, is special to watch.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re trying to foster a spirit of mentorship. ItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s important in everyoneÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s lives. It can sometimes be hard to get that step up in life, so we want to give them the opportunity to have that, even if itÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s just for a day.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

She added that the camps provide a healthy and proactive way for children to spend their time, helping steer them toward a positive path.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re getting them outside, away from their TVs and video games,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� Hutson Carnes said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œNot only are they learning how to play sports, but theyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re learning social skills. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s giving them face-to-face, one-on-one, and group interaction, and thatÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s so important since our society can be so isolating at times.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

Academic Initiatives: Supporting Teachers and Students

Beyond athletics, Diversified Energy also invests in education through several initiatives aimed at both teachers and students.

Each year, the company awards a $500 Amazon gift card to 10 West Virginia teachers to help them purchase school supplies.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œTeachers do so much for our kids and they can use all the help we can give them,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� she said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œA lot of times, what they buy for their classrooms comes out of their own paycheck. We give the opportunity to our employees to submit teachers they know, and we randomly select them. We just want to make sure that the teachers know we want to help as much as possible.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

The company also partners with the Kids In Need Foundation, donating funds to supply entire schools with backpacks and essential supplies. This year, Huff Consolidated Elementary in Hanover was selected.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThey were hit pretty heavily by floods earlier this year, so weÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re going to provide each student there with a backpack and school supplies,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� Hutson Carnes said.

Building a Better Tomorrow

Through these athletic and academic programs, Hutson Carnes said Diversified Energy aims to equip the next generation of workers and leaders with the tools and encouragement they need to thrive.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWe want these kids to know that weÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re here and see what theyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re going through,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� Hutson Carnes said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWe want to help in whatever way possible, but we also want to make ourselves accessible. If a teacher sees something and comes to us with an issue, we want to help. If they report a need in the classroom or school, we do our best to assist. We want to foster a spirit of service in our communities.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œNot only do we operate in all of these different counties, but we live in those counties. We want to give back to our neighbors, and we feel the impact just as deeply as they do. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re fueling the future. This generation could potentially start working in our industry at some point, and we want to make sure they have all the tools we can give them.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�