High school students are invited to participate in Lewis County’s first Southwest Washington Energy/STEM Academy supported by the Foundation for Water and Energy Education (FWEE) June 25-27.
The academy, which will start at Centralia College, includes exploring the inside of a power-generating dam and powerhouse, learning how a fish hatchery works and touring a substation and a hydrogen and battery fueled business.
Activities include donning lineworker tools and climbing a power pole, learning about fiber optics and building a hydropower station and a hydrogen-fueled cell car.
“Students will dive into the world of energy to discover emerging technologies and leading-edge science that’s happening in their backyard,” Centralia College said in a news release. “They will learn directly from engineers, operators, skilled trades workers, conservationists and others, who will share their stories and experiences.”
Students will also explore career pathways by identifying apprenticeships, internships and college opportunities, according to the news release.
Centralia College’s Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy is partnering with Centralia City Light, Chelan PUD, Cowlitz PUD, First Mode, FWEE, Lewis County PUD, National Renewable Energy Lab, SEI and TransAlta.
The academy is available for up to 24 students ages 14 to 18 entering grades nine to 12.
Cost is $50 and includes materials, food and field trip transportation. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register for the academy, visit https://tinyurl.com/muhh4a4r.