RICHLAND, Wash. - To help develop the future workforce, Hanford Site contractors and community leaders held the second annual Connect Tri-Cities event last week. Thousands of job seekers, including 1,000 high school students, met with local businesses, universities, and other organizations to discuss career paths.
A major highlight of the event was the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Scholarship Competition for high school students. More than $20,000 in scholarships was awarded as part of the competition.
EM Assistant Secretary Anne White spoke at the opening reception and presented checks to the STEM competition winners.
“The Department of Energy, and in particular EM, relies on every partner here tonight to deliver our mission," White said. “Events like these show the power of partnerships."
Bob Wilkinson, president of EM Richland Operations Office contractor Mission Support Alliance (MSA), said it’s exciting to see the eagerness of job seekers, especially veterans and students, as they learn about potential opportunities in the area.
“This event is significant for our community," Wilkinson said.
Attendees met with experts to discuss resume writing and preparing for job interviews.
“I give a huge amount of credit to MSA and DOE for their commitment to Connect Tri-Cities," said Carl Adrian, president of the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC). “I know this is only the second year for the event, but they have created partnerships with many organizations to focus attention on career opportunities and resources available in our community."
The event also included several breakout sessions for veterans and a panel discussion focused on diversity and inclusion featuring several community leaders.
Connect Tri-Cities is a unique community event championed by TRIDEC and sponsored by MSA and its corporate partners, Leidos and Centerra Group.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
