WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Partnership creates new opportunity for Mississippi high school students

Partnership creates new opportunity for Mississippi high school students

By Jon Kalahar - bio | email

JACKSON, MS(WLBT) - With one of its eleven nuclear power plants right here in Mississippi, Entergy Nuclear has formed a partnership with the Department of Education to provide high school students with something new.

And the best part? It benefits all involved.    

Many Mississippians know Grand Gulf is home to a nuclear power plant, but as for what goes on inside -- most likely don't care as long as the lights come on.

"We need to get people interested in this line of work," said Mike Kansler, Entergy Nuclear CEO.

Nuclear engineering is a highly specialized job, but also one in high demand. In Mississippi education, the need is for businesses to step up and invest in the future. Through this partnership, Mississippi high school students will be the first to study nuclear science.

"It's going to be interesting to students; the fact that they're studying nuclear power has a high cool factor," said Madelen Loftin, Wingfield High School biology teacher.

The curriculum uses power points, workbooks, and online resources to connect with teens.

"We're going to be able to entice that interest with the young people and hopefully influence their future direction," said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi CEO.

And working together it's a win-win for Entergy and the future nuclear engineers, plant designers or nuclear CEO's.

"We think the U.S. is falling behind in engineering students, math students, and science students to China and India. It's important for us to start with high school students and actually make nuclear power cool," said Chip Everest, Energy Solutions.

The curriculum and materials for nuclear science will be introduced to teachers over the summer. High schools will decide if they want to offer the class for next fall.