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

CANYON, Texas A dozen budding engineers are getting plugged into their future career paths thanks to a significant gift to West Texas A&M University from the Xcel Energy Foundation.

The foundationthe charitable arm of Xcel Energygave a $20,000 grant to WTs College of Engineering, officials announced recently.

A portion of the funds provided full scholarships to 12 students taking part in WTs Engineering and Computing Camp, which runs June 5 to 9.

WTs College of Engineering has expanded the pool of talented engineers from our area with a desire to make their lives in Amarillo and surrounding cities, said Brad Baldrige, Xcel Energy director of customer and community relations. Its a great workforce development success story that will continue to play out as long as were engaging young students in opportunities such as the summer engineering camp and ensuring no one is left out because of limited financial resources.

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

Often, their families dont have the financial resources to send them to camp, Hunt said. We want to make sure we can accommodate as many campers as possible, and thanks to this generous gift from the Xcel Energy Foundation, these students are on the right path to fulfilling their dreams.

The grant also will provide support for WTs electrical engineering labs for University students, as well as provide additional funding for camp, which offers classes for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

This years camp theme is STEM for Space, with students learning about the future of design in space and investigating materials, power and natural resources. Campers are using artificial intelligence to help scientists analyze data more quickly and accurately and automate operations on spacecraft. The continuous development of AI is helping rovers and landers explore other planets and moons in ways never before possible

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

Ten incoming freshman this fall were campers when they were younger, and most of the students in our Pre-University Program were campers, as well, Hunt said.

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

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign which publicly launched in September 2021 has raised more than $125 million and will continue through 2025.

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About Xcel Energy Foundation

The Xcel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that awards charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and sponsors the volunteer programs of Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries. The majority of Xcel Energy Foundation funding comes from Xcel Energy shareholder dollars. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com/community/focus_area_grants.

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 Southwests finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 mens and womens athletics programs.

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Grant from Xcel Energy Foundation Provides Scholarships for WT ... - West Texas A&M University