13th Annual Science Alliance Welcomes 1,400 Students

Article Presented By Adena Health…

(Pike County) – More than 1,400 students from 30 schools in five counties descended upon the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant to take part in the 13th annual Department of Energy’s Science Alliance. Each year, high school students take part in one of the largest hands-on science events in southern Ohio to learn more about STEM careers and potential opportunities for their future. 

“It is 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 learning about a career or educational path after high school,” said DOE Portsmouth Site Lead, Jeremy Davis. “The students seem to really appreciate the opportunities that go beyond the classroom.”

Students took advantage of the chance to meet with college representatives from The 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 a chance to explore careers with 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 had fun with various interactive stations as well as fun-filled competitions to learn more about the plant history and the current clean-up mission to prepare for future development.

“I really enjoyed going to Science Alliance and learning about all the STEM opportunities in southern Ohio,“ said Waverly High School Junior, Quinn Shaffer. “This program gives students a chance to learn about things we might not get a chance to experience in class or any of our extra-curricular programs at school.”

This is the 13th year that the Department of Energy has sponsored Science Alliance at the site. The event is also conducted at Portsmouth’s sister site in Paducah, Kentucky. 

Schools who are interested in Science Alliance can email Deneen Garner, lead community relations specialist at Fluor-BWXT at deneen.garner@ports.pppo.gov or call (740) 897-2609 to get more information.