Dawson Public Power District has announced a number of career exploration opportunities and scholarships for high school students. These opportunities are available for students both in high school and those who are considering a career in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mechanics (STEM) field.
See below for information on each of the opportunities:
For a graduating senior who is pursuing a degree in Utility Line.
- Amount: $2,000
- Application deadline: March 14
For a graduating senior who is pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field.
- Amount: $2,000
- Application deadline: March 14
Utility Line Camp (click here to see flyer)
Available to Sophomores and Juniors (Limited to 14 students - sign up early!)
May 23, 8:00 a.m. –1 2 p.m. at Dawson PPD Lexington office
- Cost: Free
- Application deadline: May 9
This camp gives students a hands-on opportunity to learn about a career as a lineworker and interact with Dawson PPD's Operations Department. Students will watch an electrical safety demonstration, practice splicing underground conductor, climb a pole and ride in a bucket truck. The half-day camp will be held at Dawson PPD’s Lexington office and is free to attend, but spaces are limited. Lunch is provided. High school aged sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply. Students and/or the school will need to provide transportation.
NEW FOR 2024 --
STEM Camp (click here to see flyer)
Available to students grades 8-12 (Limited to 14 students - sign up early!)
March 13, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Dawson PPD Lexington Office
- Cost: Free
- Application deadline: March 7
This camp helps students discover their passion for a STEM career. The immersive, fun-filled experience goes beyond textbooks with hands-on activities. Students will build a cantenna, understand renewable energy, dismantle and rebuild a computer server and learn the calculations of business efficiency. The camp will be held at Dawson PPD’s Lexington office and is free to attend, but spaces are limited. Lunch is provided. Students grades 8-12 are encouraged to apply. Students and/or the school will need to provide transportation.
Available to Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors
Date to be announced - typically is the second week of July for 5 consecutive days.
Camp Comeca near Cozad
- Cost: Free
- Application deadline: TBA
Organized by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, this camp gives an overview of the public power and electrical distribution industries. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are interested in a STEM-based career field should attend this week-long camp. Students will tour Gerald Gentleman Power Station and Kingsley Hydroelectric Power Plant, among typical camp activities like sport tournaments. The camp is traditionally held at the Nebraska 4-H Camp in Halsey. This event has been relocated to Camp Comeca near Cozad due to the devastating 2022 fire that destroyed the 4-H Camp. Dawson PPD will sponsor up to three students.
If your student is interested in capitalizing on any of the above listed opportunities, head over to the DPPD website or contact DPPD Communications Specialist Chelsey Gengenbaugh at 308-324-2386.