Welcome to Hydro Think Tank
In August, the Pacific Northwest Hydro Think Tank will bring the talents and ingenuity of undergraduate and graduate students from top colleges, universities and trade school programs in the Pacific Northwest together to solve a real-world hydropower problem. This 3-day educational forum and competition is designed to provide student’s exposure to hydro professionals and hands-on experience that complements their area of study. It helps the industry find solutions to real hydro issues.
Invitation to Apply
Students are invited to apply here for this opportunity—and if selected, to see if they have what it takes as a team member to win the Hydro Think Tank. Sixteen students from diverse study areas and schools will be selected and assigned to one of four mixed teams. These teams will compete to provide the best solution to a hydro-specific environmental problem.
The event will include opportunities for exploration, training, and teamwork along with access to the industry’s top researchers and industry senior level management. And of course, an exciting opportunity awaits the winning team.
The Details
When: August 13-15, 2019
Where: Rocky Reach Dam 5000 State Hwy 97A Wenatchee, WA 98801, Students will stay at Wenatchee Valley College 1300 Fifth St, Wenatchee, WA 98801. *Housing and meals will be provided for the teams.*
Who: Students with experience in a mix of disciplines like: trades; engineering, science and environment, computer science, students interested in an internship in hydropower.
Participating Schools: Big Bend Community College, Centralia College Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, Seattle University, University of Idaho, University of Washington, Walla Walla Community College, Washington State University, Wenatchee Valley College and more.
Where to Apply: Hydrofoundation.org/hydro-think-tank
Judging: Team efforts will be judged by a panel of industry executives, managers and Hydro Foundation members.
Incentive: The winning team will receive a cash prize, a great resume booster and have the potential for an internship with one of the organizations providing a hands-on experience like no other.
More Information
Bree Mendlin, or bree@hydrofoundation.org, Program Director, Hydropower Foundation, 720-280-9429.
Hydro and the Next Generation of Leaders
“Hydropower accounts for more than two-thirds of electric generation in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, and contributes significantly to the electric generation mix in Montana and California. As a whole, the Northwest relies heavily on this clean, renewable resource.” [1] In turn, the region relies on the workforce that delivers hydro products and services amid operational challenges such as environmental priorities, regulatory requirements and renewable integration.
The Hydropower Foundation and Hydro Think Tank’s sponsors are looking for bright, potential new hydro workforce entrants to apply for this opportunity. We believe that the next generation of leaders can tackle real-world problems through education and hands-on experience. Hydro Think Tank gives these students a forum for finding innovative solutions to a real hydro problem; and, it helps to show these educated and trained students the challenges and excitement of being in the hydro industry. These students will be on their way to fill workforce gaps and solve hydro industry problems.
[1] Reference the Northwest Hydroelectric Association Brochure, http://www.nwhydro.org/wp-content/uploads/nwha_home/docs/bro_nwhe_web.pdf
Kind Regards,
Bree Mendlin
Program Director
Hydropower Foundation
www.hydrofoundation.org
Cell: 720-280-9429
Learn more about our upcoming opportunities:
Hydro Celebration Dinner: July 23 in Portland, OR