Xcel Energy Grant Offers Budding Engineers Chance to Attend WT Camp

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

CANYON, Texas — A significant gift from the Xcel Energy Foundation to West Texas A&M University will help area students engineer a bright future for themselves.

The foundation—the charitable arm of Xcel Energy—gave $15,000 to the University’s College of Engineering.

A portion of the funds reduced the cost for area students to attend in WT’s Engineering Camp, which runs June 2 to 6 for grades kindergarten through fifth and June 13 for grades sixth through 12th.

The grant also will provide scholarships WT electrical engineering students.

“The students exploring engineering opportunities today could be the leaders who help power our communities in the future,” said Stephanie Peña, Xcel Energy’s manager of social investments for Texas and New Mexico. “By supporting this program, we’re investing in these students’ growth and in the long-term strength of the Texas Panhandle. It’s about helping young people see what’s possible and ensuring our communities continue to thrive.”

Many campers were nominated by their teachers in surrounding schools, said Dr. Emily Hunt, dean of the College of Engineering.

“We are profoundly grateful to the Xcel Energy Foundation for helping us put cutting-edge tools directly into the hands of our students—whether they’re kindergarten campers building their first rescue beacon or senior electrical engineering majors perfecting power-grid simulations,” Hunt said. “This grant not only lowers the barrier for young minds across the Panhandle to explore engineering, but it also elevates the caliber of experiential learning we can offer on campus.

“By investing in today’s learners at every stage, Xcel Energy is helping WT develop the problem-solvers our region and our world will rely on tomorrow,” Hunt said.

Attendees at this year’s camp, themed “Survivor: Tech Edition,” will learn engineering and coding skills that they can use to tackle real-world survival scenarios, including building a water filtration system, designing a shelter, programming a rescue beacon and building autonomous rescue drones.

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.

At least 20 WT engineering majors were camp attendees over the last few years, 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 more than $165 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. 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 more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and 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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