Creating a sustainable economic future for the region.
PIKE COUNTY, Ohio -- October 28, 2024 -- 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.
All eyes on Marc Hill. Hill’s energetic and memorable history of the plant site is always a favorite among all students.
“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, Ky.
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.
Many of the interactive stations involve a level of competition. Waverly students participate in the glovebox challenge trying to be the first team to correctly separate different colored blocks to the correct trays.
Students from the Pike County Career Technology Center learn more about Ohio’s waterways at the Ohio University station.
More than 14,000 students have attended Science Alliance over the years. Each year the program grows, providing new opportunities for students to discover the possibilities a future in science can provide.
During the event, students travel through stations in small groups, participating in hands-on activities, and talking to industry professionals and various colleges and universities about their future.
Subject matter experts in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) provide games, activities and education to engage students and share opportunities for students to grow.
Universities such as The Ohio State University, Ohio University, Marshall University, Shawnee State University, University of Rio Grande, Hocking College, Southern State Community College, Ohio Christian University, Morehead State University, Marietta College and more, participate each year.
Several of the area’s largest employers in our region also participate, including Kenworth Trucking, General Electric, General Mills and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The event is held in the fall each year. Schools are contacted at the end of the school year to save the date for the event and are again contacted at the beginning of the school year with more details.
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.
We look forward to seeing you in the fall.