Cerro Coso Students Visit Diablo Canyon Power Plant: A Transformative Learning Experience

Cerro Coso Community College Honors Psychology and Sociology class students, as well as students from the Administration of Justice class, recently had the extraordinary opportunity to visit the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, where they gained valuable insights into clean energy, STEM career pathways, and private security opportunities. The trip was an engaging and multifaceted learning experience that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Students learned about the plant's role in providing clean energy while exploring a variety of potential career paths in fields such as engineering, chemistry, and private security. Executive tour guide Andrea Betancur commended the students, saying, "The great attitude, curiosity, and valuable questions made this experience much more enjoyable."

"I was impressed with the demeanor and intellectual attitude of our students. They were excellent representatives of Cerro Coso Community College,” shared Jarrod Bowen, Cerro Coso Professor of Psychology and Sociology. “I could not be prouder and am extremely thankful for this amazing opportunity.”

The trip served several key purposes, offering students both academic and professional enrichment:

• Honors Assignment: Students participated in a unique honors assignment designed to challenge their critical thinking skills. Prior to the trip, they wrote reaction papers on nuclear power, reflecting on its environmental, economic, and security implications without conducting research. During the tour, they took notes, asked questions, and later fact-checked the information received to compose a reflection essay comparing their initial perceptions with evidence-based knowledge.
• Career Exploration: Students were also exposed to a variety of roles within the clean energy sector, including engineers, scientists, chemists, and private security professionals. A highlight of the trip was a presentation by Phil Goss, a security operative at Diablo Canyon, who discussed the range of security positions available at the plant.

The visit to Diablo Canyon Power Plant was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the intersection of environmental responsibility, advanced technology, and workforce opportunities. Through engaging discussions and hands-on learning, students left with a deeper understanding of the importance of nuclear energy and the diverse career possibilities it offers.

Cerro Coso Community College remains committed to providing students with transformative experiences that bridge classroom learning with real-world applications, inspiring them to explore new horizons and embrace their futures with confidence.

For more information about Cerro Coso Community College and its programs, visit www.cerrocoso.edu.

Caption: Cerro Coso students inside the Diablo Canyon Power Plant.