Energy Camp Louisiana hosts NASA Engineer speaker
By: Morgan Thomas
Updated: June 7, 2012
Energy Camp Louisiana shows high school students the world of energy. It's a booming industry in the area: creating it, conserving it and using it.
Camp coordinators want to harness the next generation of energy industry professionals.
"I think students don't have an idea of what careers are out there," said Cathy Williamson, Education Coordinator, SciPort.
Teaching high school students about jobs in oil and gas, alternative energies, even conservation, the program invites speakers like NASA Engineer, Jason Dugas, to connect with them.
"Thought it would be a good fit and reaching out to the next generation of kids who will eventually come to work for NASA," said Dugas.
Involved in the design and creation of hardware that's being used right now on the International Space Station, Dugas hopes to capture the imagination of his young audience of campers.
"Inspire them to take up careers in science, technology and engineering," said Dugas.
They're mission could be succeeding.
"I think it may help me in the future," said Lerone Owens, camper.
Ninth grader, Owens, says his dad made him to come to camp, but after several days, now says, he's learned a whole lot.
"Solar power and natural gas are actually a lot better than... Wind power and it's more efficient and better to use," said Owens.
That's music to camp coordinators' ears.
"It's really exciting showing them the opportunities they can have that will change their future," said Williamson.
Energy Camp Louisiana is being held at Southern University - Shreveport, Bossier Parish Community College and Northwestern State University campuses. It's open to all high school students.
