Pre-K-12 STEM Outreach
The Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) is dedicated to providing Pre-K-12 students and educators with opportunities to engage, enrich, and explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) knowledge, experiences, and resources highlighting college and university programming and future career opportunities. The NPI is unique in its ability to adapt, pivot, and create programming for Texas students and educators with the support of our partners to inspire the emerging generation by piquing interests and providing knowledge generating confidence.
Our Mission
The mission of the Nuclear Power Institute is to develop the “necessary workforce” by supporting the continuing and emerging clean industries and innovations in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) needs across the State of Texas.
NPI will establish, expand, and maintain a network of engagement to enhance STEM awareness and consideration for students, education professionals, and industrial employers.
This network enables engagement and enrichment opportunities for students, educators and professionals in Pre-K-12 schools, community colleges and universities, and stakeholder industries across Texas.
NPI Engagement Opportunities
The “Clean SMARTS Master Class” mini-series provides viewers with an opportunity to hear, learn, and be inspired by experts in various areas.
Power BUG (Building, Uniting, and Growing)
Power BUG is a WIT-supported program with a yearlong commitment between a WIT member mentor and a Power BUG mentee. The Power BUG group provides WIT members an opportunity to give back by interacting and mentoring young elementary and middle school students — engaging them in academic activities that impassion these students to stay focused on a strong STEM path. Power BUG creates a spark that ignites a unique collaborative, nurturing relationship between older and younger students interested in pursuing STEM.
Science in the Kitchen- Cooking Up Curiosity
The NPI is unique in our ability to adapt, pivot, and create programming for our Texas students and educators and industrial/professional employers to inspire the emerging generation to consider their interests and possible careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Our newsletter, The Communiqué, will be released quarterly to our partners and audience current with our programming, successes, and engagements.
WIT (Workforce Industry Training)
This program is for high school students who have an interest in expanding their knowledge and understanding and/or careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). More specifically, the program is designed for mentoring and encouragement to prepare students for STEM-rich programs at universities, two-year technical colleges and technical certificate programs. By participating in WIT, students gain exposure to higher education and career opportunities while building the confidence to consider further STEM education. The WIT program engages students through local sponsors within participating schools in Texas.
WIT Jr (Workforce Industry Training Jr)
Stemming from continued interest and requests from NPI partners, WIT Jr helps NPI’s efforts of expanding its network, while bridging the gap between NPI’s elementary and high school programs. WIT Jr bridges this gap by specifically serving the junior high/middle school age group, while also encouraging students to join the original WIT program upon entering high school. By participating in WIT Jr, pre-teen and early teen students gain exposure to higher education and career opportunities while building the confidence to consider STEM education.
POWER SET (“Powerful Opportunities for Women Eager and Ready for Science, Engineering, and Technology) Green
“POWER SET Green” was developed to begin the process of reinstating the structure and opportunities of the original NPI POWER SET program that proved extremely successful for 13 years in providing effective strategies to young women with a supportive environment to further their interests, aptitudes, and possible careers in STEM related fields.
GREEN (Getting Resilient on Engineering and Energy from Nuclear) Day for Educators
GREEN Day for Educators was developed to engage, encourage, and enhance highly motivated and enthusiastic Texas secondary STEM educators by hearing from and engaging with dynamic speakers and presenters on clean industries and innovations in STEM during a one-day event.