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THE STEEL TECH ACADEMY
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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. The investment demonstrates a robust commitment to the local communities and their future.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Michael Graham, Dean for Secondary Programs
870-838-2934
steeltechacademy@smail.anc.edu
U. S. Steel and Entergy Arkansas Partner with Arkansas Northeastern College to Offer The Steel Tech Academy for High School Seniors
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.
For Mississippi County Arkansas, East Poinsett County, Buffalo Island Central high school students starting their senior year in 2024
2 Year Program:
9 months classroom/lab paid internships during students' senior year of high school
15 months classroom/on-site paid internships after high school graduation while attending ANC
25 program entrants each year
THE STEEL TECH ACADEMY CLASS TIMELINE
SPRING 2024
Program Recruitment
SUMMER 2024
Select 25 Students
FALL 2024
Begin Year 1: Classroom/Lab
Paid Internship
SUMMER 2025
Begin Year 2: Classroom/On-Site
Paid Internship
SPRING 2026
PROGRAM COMPLETION
& Future Opportunities
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE APPLYING
We are excited about your interest in applying for this amazing two-year program — The Steel Tech Academy. Be sure to look over the information below. If this program peaks your interest and is right for you, please apply!
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum ACT test scores for The Steel Tech Academy are:
Reading: 15
Writing: 15
Math: 15
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Minimum Accuplacer test scores:
Reading: 235
Writing: 235
Math: 236A, 236Q
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One Letter of Recommendation at the time application is submitted
You will be able to upload a letter of recommendation inside of The Steel Tech Academy application.
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Steel Tech Academy Application
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
COURSES
STEEL TECH ACADEMY WORKSHOP (MANDATORY)
Any new dates will be listed here.
CREDENTIALS EARNED
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Associate of Applied Science - Steel Industry Technology
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Certificate of Proficiency - Industrial Electrical
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Certificate of Proficiency - General Industry
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American Heart Association - First Aid CPR
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OSHA 10 - General Industry
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Core 4 Heavy Equipment Operator Licenses (aerial lift, scissor lift, rough terrain forklift, and counterbalance forklift)
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National Career Readiness Certificate