Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Southwest Washington Hydropower and STEM Career Academy June 23 to 27 at Centralia College.
Space is limited to 24 students entering grades eighth through 11th in fall 2025, so early applications are required.
The academy includes behind the scenes looks at power-generating facilities and hands-on projects, Centralia College said in a news release.
Facility tours will include the TransAlta coal plant, the Tacoma Power dam and hatchery, the Lewis County Transit Hydrogen Facility, Centralia City Light and the Yelm Hydro Electric Project.
Projects will include an SEI Building Efficiency workshop, a Build Your Own Hydropower project, a Climb a Power Pole/Lineworker Operations and Careers project and a Build Our Own Hydrogen Car project.
“Students will dive into the world of energy to discover emerging technologies and leading-edge science that’s happening in their backyard,” said Monica Brummer, director of the Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy at Centralia College. “They will learn directly from engineers, operators, skilled trades workers, conservationists, and others, who will share their stories and experiences. They will also learn about apprenticeships, internships, and college opportunities.”
The academy is in partnership with the Foundation for Water and Energy Education; Centralia College’s Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy; Centralia City Light; Lewis County, Chelan and Cowlitz public utility districts; Lewis County Transit; Microsoft; National Renewable Energy Lab; SEI; Tacoma Power; and TransAlta.
The cost to register is $50 per student, which includes materials, food and field trip transportation. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register for the academy, visit https://fwee.org/education/teacher-student-opportunities/academy/southwest-academy/.
