Hydropower STEM Career Academy in June at Rocky Reach Dam

Students who will be entering grades 9 through 12 are invited to register for a week of fun and learning June 20 to 24 at the FWEE Hydropower and STEM Career Academy at Rocky Reach Dam.

The academy, which is sponsored by the Foundation for Water and Energy Education (FWEE) and host partner Chelan County PUD, focuses on hydropower careers that require science, technology, engineering and mathematic skills (STEM).

“Nationally, one-third of utility employees will retire in the next 10 years,” said Debbie Gallaher, Rocky Reach Visitor Center Supervisor, “We’d like to show local students the high quality, good paying jobs that could be part of their future.”

Those attending the academy will learn how hydropower is generated at dams on the Columbia River and distributed throughout the region. During the academy, hydropower professionals, including engineers, divers, plant mechanics, operators and linemen, will conduct tours and hands-on activities to highlight the importance of their work. Students will also receive instruction and advice on how to prepare for a career in the exciting field of power generation and delivery.

These important and well-paying STEM careers are available throughout the region.  High school counselors, college advisors and mentors will be on hand to identify the prerequisites and academic achievement needed to pursue these and related careers.

The academy is open to students from a four-county area: Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan, who are entering grades 9 through 12 (space permitting).  Registration for the five-day event is $175 per student with some scholarships available. For those traveling more than one hour, a host family option is being made available.

For more information and the application, go to www.fwee.org.  Applications need to be postmarked no later than May 3, 2016.