News
Showcasing STEM careers
Aug 04, 2021
Supporting STEM … GRDA’s Aaron Hester (left) speaks to a group of students participating in a special STEM internship program, coordinated through the MidAmerica Industrial Park and the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). GRDA hosted the students for tours of the Grand River Energy Center (GREC) and Energy Control Center (ECC) in late July.
Power for Progress… a weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority.
The Grand River Dam Authority had the opportunity to showcase its operations to some of the area’s best and brightest in late July, when it played host to a group of students taking part in a special science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) internship program. Coordinated through a partnership between the MidAmerica Industrial Park (MAIP) and the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), the internship program is exposing these students to STEM careers, as well as educational pathways and technology applications.
During their visit to GRDA’s Grand River Energy Center (GREC) and Energy Control Center (ECC), the students heard from GRDA personnel involved in thermal and hydroelectric generation operations, safety, system operations and other areas of GRDA, all related to STEM disciplines. For the students, it was a chance to see some of the future career opportunities that could await them in the utility industry. For GRDA, it was an opportunity to support the MAIP & OCAST effort while also continuing to support workforce development.
“The experience at GRDA has been absolutely eye-opening for the students,” said MAIP Director of Workforce Development Scott Fry. “They’ve seen the variety of careers available at GRDA and they’ve also seen the impact that GRDA has on the communities it serves.”
GRDA was proud to be a part of this special tour and continues to support STEM programs and opportunities.
GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power utility, funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees, and efficiency.