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. We want to help students become aware of opportunities they do not yet know with the confidence to successfully navigate their journeys.
NPI Engagement Opportunities
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 “Science in the Kitchen – Cooking up Curiosity” program explores the science, production, automation, distribution, and workforce behind the Texas food industry using the “kitchen” and “cooking” as alternative platforms to convey STEM knowledge and information.
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. The initial lists of sponsors and schools for the 2022–2023 program are named below along with their designated responsibilities and stipends. Additional sponsors and school participants may be added throughout the year.
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.
