Circuit boards, solar panel tours and marshmallow spaghetti towers are just a few of the many activities Oncor engineers have led to spark an interest in science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM, for students.

This week, engineers, professional trade associations, schools and companies across the country are celebrating National Engineer’s Week, also known as “EWeek.” In addition to recognizing the many achievements and impact engineers continue to have, this week-long celebration is a time to highlight the importance of a STEM education.

Every year, Oncor employees volunteer their time to engage young men and women in learning more about STEM careers and fostering a love for education. Volunteers continue to give back through local community events, academic programs and STEM-focused, interactive tours. 

Check out some of the great ways Oncor engineers give back to their communities and share their enthusiasm for STEM with younger generations:

DISD Collegiate Academy Partnership with Wilmer Hutchins High School

Oncor is one of more than 24 businesses selected to partner with Dallas Independent School District (DISD) and the Dallas County Community College District in an effort to prepare students for college as part of the new collegiate academies program. Oncor is a partner with the Wilmer-Hutchins Collegiate Academy program, also now known as the Energy and Technology Early College High School, with concentrations in construction technology and energy management. Employees actively attend the Academy’s events throughout the year, which promote STEM education and college readiness.

Girls & Engineering Day at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

For two years in a row, the Design Connect Create Physics Summer Camp for young women has traveled to Oncor headquarters to explore different career possibilities available as a STEM professional. The summer field trip incorporates technical, hands-on and professional insights into the world of STEM. With the goal to give students tangible examples of female STEM professionals, campers have the opportunity to meet with and hear from Oncor female engineers who have successful careers within the energy industry. This year, Oncor employees hope to host the camp for a third time and inspire another group of young women eager to pursue a STEM career.  

Dallas Regional F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Competition

Oncor sponsored and participated in the Dallas Regional F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas in 2018. During the event, employee volunteers met with more than 1,500 students and parents and shared highlights from their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers. Oncor looks forward to continuing their participating and sponsorship this year in the 2019 F.I.R.S.T. Robotics events. 

Design Connect Create All-Girls Physics Camp

For two years in a row, the Design Connect Create Physics Summer Camp for young women has traveled to Oncor headquarters to explore different career possibilities available as a STEM professional. The summer field trip incorporates technical, hands-on and professional insights into the world of STEM. With the goal to give students tangible examples of female STEM professionals, campers have the opportunity to meet with and hear from Oncor female engineers who have successful careers within the energy industry. This year, Oncor employees hope to host the camp for a third time and inspire another group of young women eager to pursue a STEM career.   

Urban League Engineering Day at Oncor

During EWeek 2018 in February, the Oncor employees hosted a group of students hosted by the DFW Urban League for their “STEM Into The Future” day. Oncor employees teamed up to provide students with a day of learning at Oncor headquarters, which included hearing from Oncor engineers, touring the building’s facilities and doing hands-on STEM activities.