Science, math skills valued

Four Wahkiakum High students, with strong math and science skills learned about prospective employers in a program sponsored by Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council. The three-day program began in March, was interrupted by snow, and concludes April 30.

Peter Weiler, Halee Budd, Eva Vik and Blayne Edwards were selected by their teachers to see what math and science-based skills employers are seeking.

The sophomores traveled to Longview with principal Dan Casler to participate in High Tech U, a math and science-based career exploration program.

The group practiced interviewing skills and toured Columbia Analytical Services in Kelso. Brendan Glasser from Lower Columbia College, and staff from Fibre Credit Union and the Cowlitz PUD described math and science skills needed in their industries.

Each worked in groups to research and recommend appropriate energy solutions for projects across the world. Edwards worked on a project for wind and solar power for an area in the Himalayas, others focused on projects in Bhutan and Australia. The students described the hazards in the global black market in electronics recycling, where workers face serious injury, when they recycle chemicals, like mercury by hand. “They’re desperate to eat,” Edwards said.