U. S. Steel's Big River Steel facility and Entergy Arkansas, have entered into a partnership with Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) to support The Steel Tech Academy, a hands-on internship program for high school students to prepare them for career opportunities in the steel industry.  This partnership includes an investment of $75,000 from Entergy Arkansas and $225,000 from U. S. Steel.  The investment demonstrates a robust commitment to the local communities and their future.

"This is exciting news for Arkansas high school students," said Dr. Jamie Frakes, Dean for Allied Technologies, Arkansas Northeastern College.  "With more people leaving the workforce than entering the workforce, there is an urgent need and value in having a sustainable pipeline of prepared talent, interested and ready-to-enter careers in the local steel industry.  I'd like to thank U. S. Steel and Entergy Arkansas for investing in this partnership."

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"U. S. Steel is thrilled to help make The Steel Tech Academy a reality," said Daniel R. Brown, U. S. Steel's Senior Vice President - Advanced Technology Steelmaking and Chief Operating Officer for Big River Steel.  "U. S. Steel is investing in our operations in Arkansas because the future of steelmaking is here.  This program will train the next generation to keep steel mined, melted and made in America."

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The Steel Tech Academy is envisioned as a two-year paid internship program, with the first year taking place during students' senior year in high school and the second year continuing after high school graduation.  ANC will begin recruiting students for The Steel Tech Academy with an "Internship Week" to be held in the summer of 2023.  U. S. Steel and other partners will be on-hand to make presentations, interview interested candidates for internships, and make internship offers to specific students.

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Students participating in the Academy will be immersed in steelmaking processes, industrial technology, and manufacturing principles to prepare them for making immediate contributions.  Some of the courses that will be considered for inclusion in the curriculum include: Basic Metallurgy, Basic Electricity, Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Maintenance Welding, and Industrial Safety.

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Internship opportunities will be project-based and will involve "bringing the company" to the classroom/lab, rather than students visiting production facilities.  Beginning late in the first year and continuing into the second year, however, the internship will immerse students in steelmaking operations under the supervision of company partners.  Internships will occur around the class schedules.

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ANC staff will be providing information to area high schools for interested students to learn more about the program and how to apply.