Dozens of high school students recently came to the HAMMER Federal Training Center to experience a “STEM Day” and get an up-close look at the EM cleanup mission and Hanford Site career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
Office of Environmental Management
December 12, 2023
minute read time
RICHLAND, Wash. — Dozens of high school students recently came to the HAMMER Federal Training Center to experience a “STEM Day” and get an up-close look at the EM cleanup mission and Hanford Site career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
“We’ve taken a lot of trips with students, and this was by far the best one we have done,” said April Bechen, coordinator for GEAR UP, a federal program helping students prepare for college. “To see how STEM is applied in different careers was so valuable.”
This is the second event of its kind this year hosted by EM Richland Operations Office contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) to support EM’s STEM Rising efforts and encourage workforce development in fields aligned with Hanford Site cleanup and DOE’s overall mission.
Hanford’s HAMMER was chosen as the venue for this STEM Day as the facility provides training for site employees on emergency response, health and safety. HAMMER stands for Hazardous Materials Management and Emergency Response.
Students tried out radiation detection equipment as part of a recent career-connected learning opportunity on the Hanford Site.
During their visit, students engaged in hands-on demonstrations across various disciplines, including respiratory protection, radiation safety, hoisting and rigging, emergency response and the K-9 program run by Hanford Patrol.
“I didn’t know there were so many careers available,” said Devin Nelson, a high school student. “I thought Hanford was just about nuclear, but it even has its own fire department.”
The students ended their visit at a career fair with human resources representatives from Hanford contractors and local higher education institutions to learn about the pathways to career and internship opportunities at Hanford. The career fair was organized through a partnership with The STEM Foundation, a Washington state nonprofit.
“I now know you can have any skill set and come here to work,” said Fern Cox, a high school student.
“Participation in these and similar events allows HMIS to showcase future job opportunities to the next generation of Hanford workers,” said Dan Seitz, Workforce Solutions manager for HMIS. “It also presents an ideal opportunity to introduce students to the One Hanford mission and our collaborative approach to cleanup.”
-Contributor: Robin Wojtanik
To receive the latest news and updates about the Office of Environment Management, submit your e-mail address.