The Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence, in partnership with Xcel Energy, invites K-12 teachers—particularly those serving communities near Monticello and Prairie Island—to a unique, immersive professional development experience this August.
Through this two-part program, you will explore the mechanics of nuclear power and safety as well as the lucrative career pathways open to your students. Participating educators will earn 4.5 hours of professional development credit and receive the instructional tools needed to inspire the next generation of nuclear energy professionals.
Program Layout
To accommodate your summer schedule, this experience takes place in mid-August. Please note that attending the live preparatory webinar is a mandatory prerequisite for joining either physical site tour.
Part 1: Mandatory Introductory Webinar
- Date & Time: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Location: Hosted online via Zoom
- What You'll Learn: Xcel Energy operations specialists will walk you through grid functions, nuclear power generation, radiation safety, and industry career paths (including salary expectations and higher-education pathways).
Part 2: In-Person Site Tours (Select One)
- Option A (Prairie Island): Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – Noon (Welch, MN)
- Option B (Monticello): Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – Noon (Monticello, MN)
Attendance Limit: Due to security protocols, physical tour spots will be capped at 20 participants per site. Registration is first-come, first-served!
Registration
In order to register for the full program, begin by signing up for the mandatory webinar using the link below. You will receive a confirmation email that includes a link to the Microsoft Form you will use to submit additional personal information, choose the tour you prefer, and acknowledge security and other requirements. The final registration deadline is Noon, Friday, July 31, 2026.
Contact: Zach Miller, Assistant Director, Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence | zachariah.miller@mnwest.edu | 320-564-5036