WIT

NPI’s Workforce Industry Training (WIT) program is for high school students who are interested in expanding their knowledge and understanding of careers in STEM. More specifically, the purpose of WIT is to mentor, encourage, and prepare students for STEM-rich programs at universities, two-year technical colleges, and technician certificate programs. By participating in WIT, students gain exposure to higher education and career opportunities through a series of field trips while building the confidence to consider further STEM education. This confidence comes from the knowledge and familiarity students gain from their WIT experiences. All WIT students can participate in activities such as:

• Visit STEM industries to gain awareness and develop preparation
• Hear from and meet academic and professional guest speakers
• Take part in professional development activities
• Visit universities and community colleges and
• Participate in community engagement activities.

How do I join WIT?

The WIT program is open to junior and senior Texas high school students at least 14 years old with a minimum GPA of 2.5. They must formally submit an application for membership.

What do WIT participants do?

• Enjoy mentoring activities by industry professionals
• Visit local industry partners
• Participate in industry job shadowing
• Take part in professional development activities
• Visit universities and community colleges
• Participate in community service
• Hear from and meet guest speakers
• Have scholarship opportunities

Power Bug

Power BUG is a WIT-supported program with a yearlong commitment between a WIT member mentor and a Power BUG mentee. The Power BUG group provides WIT members an opportunity to give back by interacting and mentoring young elementary and middle school students — engaging them in academic activities that impassion these students to stay focused on a strong STEM path. Power BUG creates a spark that ignites a unique collaborative, nurturing relationship between older and younger students interested in pursuing STEM.

The Bracelet Story

The WIT bracelet is made of leather and steel. Because we are training for the workforce, it is important to take this opportunity to talk about the history of these two materials. Leather has been in use for thousands of years. The Egyptians were using leather in 5000 B.C. for sandals, gloves, and military equipment. such as in saddles for horses or the reins for an ox pulling a plow. Today leather is still used for gloves and boots as a means of modern protection and remains a vital part of our culture. Leather represents something that is durable, but also incredibly adaptable that has stood the test of time. Fellow students, when you see the leather of your bracelet, remember that you too must be durable and flexible. While things in life might not go as planned, if you are durable and flexible you can get through it. 

Steel is a combination of iron, carbon and small amounts of other elements. This mixture has also withstood the test of time. It revolutionized our country as we transitioned from primarily wood to steel in the early 1800’s as we began the industrial revolution. It was used to build railroads, bridges, structures and to improve shipping vessels. Steel continues to be used throughout our industrial world. Steel is designed to be strong, yet moldable and adaptable. Made up of elements that by themselves are weak, when put together, they are strong. So, my fellow students, when you see the steel of your bracelet remember that you also need to be moldable. Alone we may falter, but together, we are strong. You all represent this organization and your school with pride.

The Workforce Industry Training (WIT) program is funded and supported by the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI), a joint center of Texas A&M University (TAMU) and Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES).