It's not every day that you get a chance to operate the controls of a nuclear power plant simulator. For the scouts of Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, that’s a highlight of Nuclear Science and Technology Day at Xcel Energy’s training center in Monticello, Minnesota.
Hosted by the Xcel Energy Women in Nuclear (XE WIN) business resource group, the annual event is run by employee volunteers who facilitate hands-on activities to teach how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) play a part in nuclear power.
Upon arrival, the girls split into groups and rotate training rooms every 20 minutes. They play atomic “Jeopardy!” to learn nuclear science terms and simulate nuclear fission by tossing balloon “neutrons.” They also calculate their yearly radiation exposure and dress in contamination gear to learn the importance of nuclear safety. By noon, the girls leave with a newly earned Nuclear Science and Technology Girl Scouts patch.
Balloons are used to demonstrate nuclear fission in boiling water reactors.
This year marks the 13th anniversary of the event, which has seen over 2,300 attendees. Julie Weber, Xcel Energy control room supervisor, kick-started the event to expand XE WIN’s efforts to advocate for and educate the community on nuclear-related fields.
“As a former girl scout, I’m proud that we’re helping to increase STEM opportunities available to girls today,” said Julie. “We're encouraged to think about our future at an early age, so by having the girls see and hear from women in the field, we hope to spark their curiosity in STEM.”
While STEM occupations in the U.S. have grown 79% since 1990, latest U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics show that women make up 26% of the STEM workforce and only 16% of engineers. Programs like the Girl Scouts event aim to address this disparity by connecting emerging and existing talent and preparing underrepresented groups for STEM careers.
During National Engineers Week (Feb. 16-22) and throughout the year, Xcel Energy engineers lend their time and expertise to STEM-related programs and initiatives like this one. To engage with aspiring engineers, they visit K-12 classrooms and college campuses to share their career journeys and experience working in the energy industry.
“The work our engineers do is critical to the daily lives of the people in our communities,” said Carrie Beeks, engineering talent acquisition advisor, “which is why they place importance in mentoring and developing the next generation of STEM professionals.”
These community outreach initiatives are part of Xcel Energy’s broader commitment to supporting STEM Career Pathways, one of three Xcel Energy Foundation focus areas. In 2024, $1.8 million of Xcel Energy Foundation grant funding went toward STEM Career Pathways, benefiting 707,000 students. Visit xcelenergy.com to learn more about Xcel Energy Foundation’s Focus Area Grants.