Washington River Protection Solutions funds cooperative internship program for WSU Tri-Cities students

RICHLAND, Wash.—Washington State University Tri-Cities is kicking off #CougsGive Day on April 13 with the announcement of a gift that will establish a career path for students who wish to participate in a major environmental cleanup effort.

Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS), a prime contractor to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of River Protection, is donating $250,000 to WSU Tri-Cities to establish a unique internship cooperative employment program.

Through the co-op, WRPS and the WSU Tri-Cities Career Center will work together to recruit and select up to 10 students per year for the cooperative program. The co-op students must be in junior-, senior- or graduate-level academic standing and will work full time for one summer and a flexible part-time schedule during the school year. WRPS intends to offer successful co-op interns full-time employment opportunities after graduation.

“This partnership allows us to attract and develop the future workforce,” said WRPS President and CEO John Eschenberg. “It also shows students that there are high-quality career paths available in the Tri-Cities, including at the Hanford Site.”

WSU Tri-Cities will recruit students for the co-op program, interviewing each candidate to ensure they meet the requirements of the program and can commit to the year-long internship. Selected students will then go through an interview process at WRPS before being assigned to an internship position.

Students will be paired with a WRPS employee or manager who will serve as a mentor to provide guidance on academic and professional development. Each student will have an individual set of objectives based on the internship role they receive and their academic goals.

“WSU Tri-Cities embraces collaborative applied learning opportunities for students with industry, leading to workforce-ready graduates. We are so grateful for the continued support of WRPS, a creative and impactful industry member in the Mid-Columbia region,” said WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes.

WRPS will present a check to WSU Tri-Cities at 10 a.m. April 13 in the Learning Commons on campus.

About WRPS

WRPS, owned by Amentum and Atkins, with integrated subcontractor Orano, is a prime contractor to the DOE Office of River Protection. WRPS is responsible for the safe and efficient management of radioactive and hazardous waste stored in Hanford’s underground tanks, and for preparing to deliver the waste to the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant for vitrification.

About WSU Tri-Cities

WSU Tri-Cities is located at 2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354. Find campus maps at tricities.wsu.edu/campusmaps.

WSU Tri-Cities is located on shared traditional homelands of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. As a leading public research university with a focus on energy, environment and agriculture, WSU Tri-Cities delivers career-connected learning and innovative research that addresses economic and social challenges.

MEDIA CONTACT(S)

Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communication, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@wsu.edu