Aviation Major Selected for National Grid Foundation Inaugural Youth Advisory Council

Damien Bennett, an Aviation Science - Non-Pilot Administration and Management major, has been selected by the National Grid Foundation to serve on its inaugural Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a groundbreaking initiative aimed to amplify the voices of young changemakers and shape the Foundation’s future social impact efforts, particularly in the areas of STEM education and literacy.

Damien and the YAC members will meet virtually, four times a year over a two-year term, participating in sessions designed to enhance their leadership skills in community engagement and philanthropic best practices. YAC members will receive a stipend for their time and expertise.

Damien is one of 12 members who share in the commitment to social impact. Together, they will engage in advising the Foundation on youth initiatives and provide insight into grant-making for organizations focused on energy education.  

After he graduates with his A.S. degree from SUNY Schenectady, Damien plans to transfer for his bachelor's degree in Aviation Management. A graduate of YouthBuild Schenectady, Damien has earned several certifications in the construction field while helping to build homes for Habitat for Humanity.

More about Damien Bennett:

Damien first became interested in community advocacy while he was on the Student Council at Hamilton Elementary School in Schenectady. At a young age, he was among a group of students and teachers who visited state legislators to advocate for grant funding for local schools. He continued with advocacy efforts while he was in YouthBuild, visiting state leaders at the capitol to advocate for funding for the program.   

He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol at the 109th Airlift Wing, a unit of the New York Air National Guard at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, from 2016 to 2018. He was also a member of the Schenectady County Housing Task Force this year. Damien’s dedication to community service showcases his passion for making a difference and aligns with the mission of the YAC.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for Damien to have his voice heard and contribute his ideas to initiatives that will impact the lives of young people in our community,” said Dr. Steady Moono, President of SUNY Schenectady. “The SUNY Schenectady community is proud of Damien for this accomplishment and we applaud him on his commitment to social impact.” 

The National Grid Foundation is an independent charitable arm of National Grid, established in December 1998. The Foundation has a long-standing commitment to enhancing the quality of life in its service areas through grants that support STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and literacy education. With the launch of the YAC, the Foundation is poised to further its mission of creating opportunities for young people to make a lasting social impact.