Supporting education all summer long

Supporting education … all summer long

School may be out in the summer but the Grand River Dam Authority’s support of Oklahoma educators remains strong all year-round.

In mid-June, GRDA took part in the Oklahoma Career Tech/Northeast Tech Oklahoma Education and Industry Partnerships (OEIP) Teachers Camp by playing host to 60 teachers from across the state. The group visited GRDA’s Ecosystems and Education Center where they spent the day touring Pensacola Dam. They also got an up-close look at the GRDA water research laboratory and heard from a panel of GRDA employees that was convened to discuss technical jobs at GRDA.

It was a chance to showcase GRDA careers, discuss workforce development and provide the educators with information that can prove helpful as they guide their students into the workforce in the coming years. 

Also in mid-June, GRDA welcomed teachers for the annual “Riverology 101” workshop along the Illinois River. The course was an opportunity for teachers to learn more about the water cycle, the erosion process, and other river-related topics. A guided tour of the scenic Illinois River was also on the agenda. GRDA partnered with the Blue Thumb Program, OSU Cooperative Extension Services 4-H, Ag in the Classroom and the Oklahoma Water Survey to bring the event to teachers.

Finally, June also offered an opportunity for Team GRDA to help “elevate” career aspirations for young adults at the annual Elevate Youth Summit, held this year on the campus of Rogers State University in the GRDA municipal customer community of Claremore.

The Northeast Oklahoma Workforce Board and partners of the Oklahoma Works system to coordinate the event which allows business and community partners to connect with the young adults who are exploring career paths. GRDA has been part of the event for several years and sees it as another opportunity to help further workforce development not only at the Authority but all across the region.

GRDA employees continue to be its greatest asset in meeting its mission in Oklahoma and participation in these education programs each summer help to further that mission.

Headquartered in Vinita, GRDA is Oklahoma’s state-owned electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees and efficiency.