Volunteer Engineers and Scientists bring STEM activities to classrooms in Tuolumne County
San Francisco, CA— The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s (SFPUC) and its social impact partners, Stantec, Wood Group PLC, McMillen Jacobs Associates, and Black and Veatch will once again participate in Tuolumne County’s annual Engineers and Scientists in Schools Week, taking place from March 9 – 13.
During the program, scientists and engineers will visit nearly 50 classrooms throughout Tuolumne County, where they will lead interactive science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities and share their career journeys with children from kindergarten through 12th grade. A total of nine different schools will take part, working with 18 professionals from the SFPUC and its partner firms.
“Whether we are in San Francisco, the East Bay or Tuolumne County, the SFPUC is proud to work with our partners on programs that uplift and support the communities we serve,” said SFPUC General Manager Harlan L. Kelly, Jr. “The Engineers and Scientists in Schools Week is an opportunity for young students to learn more about math and sciences, possibly providing a spark or inspiration that stays with them a lifetime. We are grateful for the enthusiastic support of our private contracting firms and Tuolumne County on this important endeavor.”
Led by the Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Office, in collaboration with staff and partners of the SFPUC, Engineers and Scientists in Schools Week aims to help local students make connections to real-world applications of science and engineering, while developing an understanding of career options that are available in these fields. As part of the program, volunteers will lead students through hands-on or interactive activities that relate to their day-to-day careers.
“The Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools is committed to supporting and promoting partnerships that enhance quality science teaching and the preparation of a literate and diverse workforce in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM),” said Cathy Parker, County Superintendent, Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Office. “Our partnership with the SFPUC continues to provide Tuolumne County students with hands-on activities led by scientists and engineers who are using STEM skills in their daily profession."
The Engineers and Science in Schools Week is part of the SFPUC’s Social Impact Partnership Program, which invites private sector firm partners to give back locally to the communities in which they are performing work on behalf of the SFPUC. The SFPUC is the first public utility in the country to implement a social impact program that advances corporate social responsibility as a part of its competitive bidding process for professional services, alternative delivery and energy contracts valued at $5 million or more.
About the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is a department of the City and County of San Francisco. It delivers drinking water to 2.7 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area, collects and treats wastewater for the City and County of San Francisco, and generates clean power for municipal buildings, residents, and businesses. The SFPUC’s mission is to provide customers with high quality, efficient and reliable water, power, and sewer services in a manner that values environmental and community interests and sustains the resources entrusted to our care.
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