High School Pre-apprentice Electricians Pack over 28,000 Meals to Fight Global Hunger

A group of nearly forty pre-apprentice electricians packed over 28,000 meals last week to fight global hunger. These high school students, studying in Canyon State Electric’s (CSE) summer pre-apprenticeship program, dedicated a day of the program to community service— helping international charity Feed My Starving Children. 

CSE’s pre-apprenticeship program allows students to experience the electrical trade through interactive classroom sessions, hands-on education, and role-play exercises. The students, incoming juniors and seniors, are all part of the construction & technology education (CTE) program at Mesa Public Schools. 

“Our summer program gives them a holistic experience of what it’s like to work in the trade. That includes giving back to those in need,” said Sidney Hawkins, CSE’s director of safety and training. 

According to Feed My Starving Children, the organization sends food to over 110 countries, providing nutritious meals so residents can focus on developing their communities instead of fighting hunger.  

“I think we’ve all made a really good impact on the world,” said 17-year-old pre-apprentice Anthony Ernesto Saldana. “The fact that the company takes a day out of their time to do this says a lot. Some don’t even do stuff like this, but Canyon State Electric—we take our time, we feed starving kids.” 

The program, which is now in its second year, has more than doubled in size. In 2024, sixteen pre-apprentices graduated from CSE’s program. Nearly forty will graduate later this month. Gavin Corrales, 17, returned this year as a lead pre-apprentice to help other students with their coursework and hands-on skills.  

“In my first year, there were a lot of things I was confused about. I had no idea how to do it—and I thought that was just me. But after practicing and practicing, it became second nature. Now I get to help others along that process,” said Corrales.  

The eight-week program sees students wiring devices, designing electrical systems, and presenting in front of their peers.  

“I definitely feel more prepared than anyone else my age that hasn’t gone into this. I have a leg up, an advantage, and a head start,” said Saldana. 

“Our goal is to ignite their passion for construction,” said Hawkins. “Even though they’re young, these students could keep up with almost any first-year electrician in the field. We hope they come back to CSE when they’re looking for a career after high school.  

Canyon State Electric will hold its pre-apprenticeship graduation later this month at Mesa High School. For more information, email Kristine Riservato at kristine.riservato@cseci.com/.