PIKE COUNTY – More than 1,400 students from 30 schools in five counties came to the former gaseous diffusion plant in Portsmouth to participate in the Department of Energy’s 13th annual Science Alliance.
Each year, high school students participate in one of southern Ohio’s largest hands-on science events to learn more about STEM careers and potential opportunities for their future.
“It’s always inspiring to see the students come here and enjoy themselves and interact with all the presenters, whether it’s during a hands-on demonstration or while learning about a career or educational path after high school,” said Jeremy Davis , DOE Portsmouth site leader. . “The students seem to really appreciate the opportunities beyond the classroom.”
Students took the opportunity to meet college representatives from Ohio State University, Ohio University, University of Rio Grande, Morehead State University, Shawnee State University, Hocking College, Electrical Training Academy and Ohio Christian College. They also had the opportunity to explore careers at Fluor-BWXT, Kenworth, General Electric, Centrus, Ohio EPA, Adena Health System, Austin Powder, General Mills, Bellisio, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Blue Stone Communications.
In addition to thinking about their future, students enjoyed several interactive stations and fun competitions to learn more about the plant’s history and the current cleanup mission to prepare for future developments.
“I really enjoyed going to Science Alliance and learning about all the STEM opportunities in southern Ohio,” Waverly High School junior Quinn Shaffer said in a news release. “This program gives students the opportunity to learn things that we may not be able to experience in the classroom or in one of our extracurricular programs at school.”
This is the 13th year that the Department of Energy has sponsored the Science Alliance at the site. The event will also be held at Portsmouth’s sister location in Paducah, Ky.
Schools interested in Science Alliance can email Deneen Garner, principal community relations specialist at Fluor-BWXT at deneen.garner@ports.pppo.gov or call 740.897.2609 for more information.
This article originally appeared in Chillicothe Gazette: More than 1,400 students participate in 13th annual Science Alliance
