Xcel Energy Grant Providing Cost Breaks, More for WT Engineering Campers

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — A significant gift to West Texas A&M University from the Xcel Energy Foundation is helping area schoolchildren explore new horizons.

The foundation—the charitable arm of Xcel Energy—gave a $20,000 grant to WT’s College of Engineering, officials announced recently.

A portion of the funds reduced the cost for area students to attend in WT’s Engineering and Computing Camp, which runs June 3 to 7. The grant also will provide additional program funding for the camp, which offers classes for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

“The Xcel Energy Foundation is excited to be a part of how West Texas A&M University encourages and provides a unique experience for young people to learn and have hands-on opportunities with STEM,” said Stephanie Peña, Xcel’s manager of social investments.

Many campers were nominated by their teachers in surrounding schools, said Dr. Emily Hunt, dean of the College of Engineering. And their lessons go beyond the basics of welding.

“We firmly believe in the importance of introducing the concept of social responsibility through engineering and computing,” Hunt said. “As these fields converge with the rise of artificial intelligence, it’s crucial for young minds to consider the long-term impacts of their designs on people and the environment. The camp serves as a significant reminder to the faculty and staff of the College of Engineering about our impact on future generations.”

The grant also will fund new equipment for WT’s electrical engineering labs, including multi-phase meters, dual DC power supplies, an oscilloscope and more.

Attendees at this year’s camp, themed “We’re Going Places,” will explore the world of technology and its impact on society.

Campers will have the opportunity to work on hands-on projects that will challenge their problem-solving skills and creativity. From building robots to coding programs, they will gain valuable experience in the fields of engineering and computing.

Campers will also learn the importance of engineering in society and how it plays a crucial role in shaping the world. Campers will learn about the ethical implications of technology and how engineers can make a positive impact on society.

The camp is one highly successful way WT recruits new students for the College of Engineering, Hunt said.

“The Engineering and Computer Science Summer Camp is one of the most successful ways we recruit new students for the College of Engineering,” Hunt said. “We believe that when kids see engineers in action, it helps them envision themselves as future engineers.

Ten incoming freshmen for the fall attended the camp, and many students in WT’s Pre-University Program were campers, as well.

Providing a nurturing yet rigorous educational environment for learners of all levels and meeting regional challenges are key goals of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised nearly $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

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