In recognition of National Engineers Week (Feb. 17 - Feb. 23), sites across Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet inspired young minds by introducing and motivating future generations to pursue the diverse career paths of engineering, science and math.
During the week, nearly 1,200 students were impacted by Duke Energy’s participation in National Engineers Week (EWeek). Events like “Ask the Engineer” homeschool day at McGuire Nuclear Station’s EnergyExplorium helped kick-off the celebration by hosting more than 100 middle school students. “Ask the Engineer” introduced students to the various types of engineering and allowed them to solve real-life engineering problems through hands-on, interactive activities. Similarly, a group of young nuclear professionals from Oconee Nuclear Station representing the North American Young Generation in Nuclear organization met with more than 300 local high school students to talk about nuclear power and careers in engineering.
Catawba Nuclear Station and Harris Nuclear Plant focused their efforts on educating young women by participating in the event’s “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.” Female engineers from Catawba Nuclear Station led a hands-on project at a local technical college, and also visited several high school and elementary schools encouraging young women to get involved in engineering activities. At Harris Nuclear Plant’s Energy and Environmental Center, middle school age girls learned firsthand about women working in the nuclear power industry from a female senior nuclear operations training instructor.
The celebration of National Engineers Week was started in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers in conjunction with President George Washington's birthday. President Washington is considered as the nation's first engineer, notably for his survey work.
Today, EWeek is a formal coalition of more than 100 professional societies, major corporations and government agencies dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce. This is done by increasing awareness and interest in engineering and technology careers among young students and by promoting pre-college literacy in math and science. National Engineers Week also raises public understanding and appreciation of engineers' contributions to society.
Interested in learning more about National Engineers Week, click here.