High school to offer real-world experience at dam

Five Lake Roosevelt High School students will begin a pilot project at the Bureau of Reclamation in February.

The project will allow upper class students at the high school to spend one day a week getting a work experience at designated locations at the dam.

High School Principal Brandon Byers said Tuesday that he is in the process of selecting five students who are currently in the school’s engineering program.

Byers said he met with Bureau officials last spring and the process got started.

He also stated that if the pilot project gets off to a smooth start, five additional students could be added. The students will receive high school credit for the on-the-job experience.

It is hoped, Byers said, that the pilot project will develop into a regular school program by the time school begins next September.

Students must be 16 years of age to participate in the Bureau program.

In addition to Byers, Kathy Proctor from the voc-tech department, and Lee Largent, who is involved in the school’s engineering program, are also involved in the planning and development stage of the pilot program.

Students selected for the pilot project will be those who plan to seek careers in the type of jobs available at the dam, Byers noted.

A goal, Byers said, is to train students who might wish to apply for jobs with the Bureau of Reclamation when their schooling is completed. “Sort of grow-your-own” candidates for future jobs, Byers said.