15 Jun Fifth annual Get Into Energy Camp
KANSAS CITY, Mo – Twenty-five local middle school students will spend a few days this summer building motors, creating electricity and designing wind turbines – all in the name of energy.
Driven by a need for more job-ready candidates in power and energy fields, KCP&L, the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s School of Computing and Engineering (SCE), and the KC STEM Alliance have teamed up to offer a three-day Energy Camp. The camp will run June 17-19 at KC EZ and is designed to advance local students interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in high school, and ultimately, careers in energy.
Students and faculty from SCE will work with the younger students on interactive experiments that demonstrate the concepts of magnetism, physics and electricity. In addition, KCP&L employees will conduct field trips to a local substation and the Business & Technology College Lineworker Program to show how science is applied in the real world.
This is the fifth year for the Get Into Energy Camp and organizers are excited to introduce more students to the experience.
“Our three-day summer camp allows students to explore the basics of creating energy, see how energy is delivered to their homes and communities, and speak with energy employees about career choices,” said Sarah Whitman, Technical Training manager for KCP&L.
Ultimately, the camp sponsors hope to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM fields, and in turn build a robust, diverse workforce for the region.
“Our UMKC School of Computing and Engineering is committed to being a valued resource for Kansas City and in particular to its urban students,” said SCE Dean Kevin Truman. “Exposing urban students to STEM opportunities, careers and challenges on a regular basis is key to preparing them to pursue STEM degrees and jobs. We know that with support and resources, from groups such as the KC STEM Alliance, educational institutions such as UMKC and corporations like KCP&L, we can make a difference in the lives of many students and ultimately help produce a diverse workforce for Kansas City’s STEM based companies.”
“Businesses like KCP&L are concerned about the growing shortage of STEM professionals. They understand the importance of investing resources into future leaders, and that’s exactly what the “Get Into Energy” camp is all about,” said Laura Loyacono, director of the KC STEM Alliance.
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About The University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City, one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.
About KCP&L
Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Great Plains Energy Incorporated (NYSE: GXP) is the holding company of Kansas City Power & Light Company and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company, two of the leading regulated providers of electricity in the Midwest. Kansas City Power & Light and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations use KCP&L as a brand name. More information about the companies is available on the Internet at www.greatplainsenergy.com or www.kcpl.com.
About the UMKC School of Computing and Engineering
Located in one of the nation’s largest engineering communities, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Computing and Engineering prepares students to work in cutting-edge engineering, computer science and information technology careers. SCE’s internationally recognized faculty prepare students for today’s competitive job market by providing a curriculum that includes the latest technology and business trends, as well as a comprehensive education in each field’s theory and fundamental practice.
About the KC STEM Alliance
The KC STEM Alliance is a collaborative network of educators, business partners and organizations that inspires interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math careers to generate a robust force of related professionals for our community. The Alliance supports area STEM programs, including Project Lead The Way® and FIRST®, coordinates related research and program evaluation as well as facilitating school and industry partnerships. The Alliance supports efforts that provide a solid foundation of STEM education for all students, regardless of race, gender or economic status; thereby increasing the quality, quantity and diversity of job-ready candidates for local STEM employers and advancing economic development and progress in our community.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bridget Koan
816-235-6678; koanb@umkc.edu
