About 50 middle school students visited Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) in mid-July for a half-day camp to learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) careers at MGE. Students visited the MGE Distribution Operations Center to see first-hand how MGE uses technology to manage critical natural gas and electricity systems during emergency calls and routine service work. Students also used virtual reality (VR) goggles to get a 360-degree view of solar panels on the roof of MGE's downtown Madison office building. MGE's VR technology can take the viewer on virtual tours of rooftop solar arrays, the top of a wind turbine and other inaccessible locations. Students learned about the economic and environmental benefits of electric vehicles (EV), EV charging technology and how EVs are rapidly gaining in popularity.

Strang Architects in Madison organizes the annual STEAM camp and invites other STEAM businesses to open their doors to students interested in exploring STEAM career pathways. Back to Cover