Education Engagement

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We have a long tradition of supporting educational programming

We love our community and are proud to provide electricity and water to you – an essential part of our daily lives! We also love learning and are committed to providing educational opportunities to all students in Clark County. This aspect of our work does not show up as a line item in an annual report but the return on investing in a student’s potential through exposure to careers in the utility field, environmental engagements, and electrical and water safety is worth gigawatts!

Goals of our educational program

The goal of the Student Education Program is to provide a quality experience that meets the curriculum and education standards for fourth and fifth grade students in the State of Washington by reinforcing vocabulary and concepts in the areas of electricity, electrical safety and the environment. Over time, PowerZone and the Student Education Program will continue to evolve and develop programming to compliment curriculum related to electricity, water, renewable energy, the environment, and career exploration across all grade bands.

Programs we particiapte in or help facilitate

Columbia River Watershed Festival

The last Thursday and Friday of September brings over 900 student participants to this annual festival which rotates to different parks around Clark County each year. By rotating the festival, a wide variety of schools can participate while keeping the environmental impacts of transportation low. The festival is outdoors with tent-covered and field-based activities and occurs rain or shine! Students will have the opportunity to learn from local leaders in the environmental field and what they can do to keep it healthy. Presentations include hands-on activities, games and more!

Empowering Your Knowledge

Each year a book geared toward elementary or middle school students is donated to each school library in Clark County. The books are aligned with subjects covered on the PowerZone website: Electricity, Water, Environment, Renewable Energy and Careers. Ask your librarian for the latest book provided by Clark Public Utilities, or look at suggested Books in the resource section.

High School Career Fairs/Career Information

By invitation employee volunteers attend local schools to engage and inspiring young people to explore opportunities in the energy and utility industry.

On Site Career Panel and Tour

In fall and late spring students and educators will receive a behind the scenes look at our Operations Center, various departments, their daily duties, and engage in a question and answer session with a variety of utility employees. This event shares the wide range of career opportunities within the utility industry.

PowerZone

Children are aware that we use electricity to heat and cool our homes, schools, and businesses. We use it to keep the lights on, cell phones charged and to stream movies. But that only scratches the surface of their understanding. Learning about electricity and water introduces children to basic scientific concepts that can help them understand and interact with the world around them. By learning the basics about how electricity works and doing a few fun and engaging activities, kids can begin to understand the significance of electricity and water in their daily lives and along the way, the importance of electrical safety and environmental stewardship.

PowerZone Live (at the Home and Garden Idea Fair):

Many of the full educational activities featured on the PowerZone website come to life at this event. Come have a hair raising experience with the Van de Graaff, or continue a tradition by making one of Chuck’s Pinecone Bird Feeders.

Presentations

Request an employee volunteer to attend your classroom and share their knowledge about solar energy, the River Road Generating Plant, Electric Vehicles, Pollinators and more.

Renewable Energy Workshop

In collaboration with our industry partners a one-day career-connected education program is available to local educators that will bring clean energy science, technology, and knowledge to life which aids in building curriculum for their students.

Solar Car Challenge

An academic competition for all school-age students to design, develop and race a solar-powered model car. Through educator training and material kits, the Solar Car Challenge offers hands-on educational experience with renewable energy, engineering and innovation.

Student Field Trip

A popular program which hosts more than 5,000 fourth-grade students from 59 schools, 8 districts, homeschool companies and private schools. The goal of the Student Education Program is to provide a quality experience that meets the curriculum and education standards for fourth and fifth grade students in the State of Washington by reinforcing vocabulary and concepts in the areas of electricity, electrical safety and the environment.