Powering education: UW students visit Cedar Falls Hydroelectric Project

For University of Washington environmental engineering students, the annual trip to Cedar Falls Hydroelectric Project offers more than a change of scenery. It brings their studies to life.

“These trips provide students with the opportunity to engage with engineers and scientists, who represent potential future career opportunities. Maybe even working for Seattle City Light or Seattle Public Utilities,” explained Ronda Strauch, City Light’s Climate Change Research and Adaptation Advisor.

For four years, City Light and Seattle Public Utilities have been organizing this field trip to connect students with the region’s hydroelectric history . It provides students with a firsthand look at engineering in action.

The nation’s first municipally owned hydroelectric plant

Cedar Falls was Cit