SEL helps prepare local students for STEM careers

PULLMAN, Wash.—Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories will host local eighth‐graders who have been selected to attend a day of learning about the electric power system, high‐tech manufacturing and careers in engineering. “Getting Ready for Engineering and Technology (GREAT) Day” will take place Feb. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the SEL manufacturing facility, located at 2440 NE Hopkins Court in Pullman.

The media are welcome from 10:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Check‐in is at the main entrance of the 2440 building.

At GREAT Day, students participate in hands‐on learning activities, tour the company’s manufacturing operation and learn about engineering careers from professional engineers.

“It can be challenging to grasp what an engineer actually does,” said Jennifer White, SEL’s education outreach manager. “With this event, we can share some of the exciting work engineers do each day and inspire students to look at careers in engineering and science.”

Each year, SEL invites local middle schools to select up to four students to attend the event. Last year, 59 students from 15 local middle schools attended.

GREAT Day is part of SEL’s ongoing effort to promote math and science education. The event is held in conjunction with National Engineers Week, which has been celebrated every February since 1951. The tradition of honoring engineers’ contributions to society was initiated by the National Society of Professional Engineers and is now recognized by organizations and businesses nationwide. To learn more about National Engineers Week, please visit  http://bit.ly/1hhMiSt.

SEL serves the power industry worldwide through the design, manufacture, supply and support of products and services for power system protection, monitoring, control, automation, communications and metering. For more than 30 years, SEL has offered unmatched local technical support, a 10‐year, worldwide warranty and a commitment to making electric power safer, more reliable and more economical.