Milestone Alert: 10,000 Young Professionals in Nuclear and Counting

Major news, nukes! In less than 15 years of existence, NAYGN has registered 10,000 members. That means thousands of young, energized and influential nuclear professionals dedicated to shaping our industry's future. Exciting stuff, I know. Take a look at the press release below:

The North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) is celebrating a milestone achievement –the organization has registered over 10,000 unique members since its inception.

“We have now become the premier leadership development activity for the nuclear energy industry. With so many opportunities at the local, regional and continental level, we provide some of the first opportunities for young professionals to practice their leadership skills,” says Past President Elizabeth McAndrew-Benavides. NAYGN started with seven members who were passionate about nuclear science and technology, and it continues now with 10,000 members who share their same passion. The organization remains a strong pro-nuclear voice, and has now become a respected place for young employees to develop their professional skills.

NAYGN was created in 1999, at a time when utilities were looking towards license renewal of existing facilities. With the prospect of extended plant operation, the nuclear industry recognized the need to expand the workforce demographic to include more young professionals. Many of the pioneers who helped develop the industry were retiring and a new generation was needed in the workforce.

Enthusiasm is one of the defining characteristics of NAYGN members, and enthusiasm has certainly aided the rapid growth of the organization. Past NAYGN Officer Michael Stuart reflected the early years of NAYGN, “During the time when I was Public Information Officer, NAYGN was leading the charge in putting a youthful and enthusiastic face on the re-emergence of nuclear power in the United States. For the first time in a generation, we were holding pro-nuclear rallies all over the United States - in Virginia, Illinois, and on the capitol steps of Jackson, Mississippi… We were the voice of a new generation in nuclear and we were being heard and well-received.”

NAYGN was established in 1999 and now has 110 local chapters with more than 10,000 members. For more information about NAYGN, please visit www.naygn.org.

Congratulations to NAYGN and all of its members. I look forward to seeing the positive impact their advocacy and leadership will have on our industry.

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