June 30, 2025 Capital Investment in STEM

Volume 28 | Issue 2

Capital Power, operator of power generation facilities across North America, partners with the Discovery Education STEM Careers Coalition.

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Capital Power, a leading North American producer of thermal and renewable energy with headquarters in Phoenix, AZ, and Alberta, Canada, lives by its motto: Powering Change by Changing Power™. While the company focuses on delivering balanced energy solutions for a lower- carbon future, it’s also investing in the next generation by supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Through its partnership with Discovery Education and the STEM Careers Coalition, Capital Power is helping to inspire and prepare K–12 students for meaningful careers in STEM fields.

Capital Power operates a broad portfolio of power generation across both the United States and Canada that delivers reliable, lower-carbon energy solutions to communities and industries. They value new ideas that can create positive changes – both on site and in communities. They research innovations like small modular reactors, carbon capture and storage, and solar grazing, where sheep and pigs help maintain grassland and reduce fire hazards. Another is Capital Power’s Data, Science and Innovation Team that crowdsources ideas from across the business and assesses them using a scoring and prioritization framework. Since the team was created, it has surfaced 136 distinct, high-impact projects.

To further its support of innovation and learning at all ages, Capital Power decided to partner with Discovery Education. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader offering state-ofthe- art, Pre K-12 digital learning solutions in support of approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Launched in 2019, STEM Careers Coalition by Discovery Education is an alliance of industries and non-profit organizations reaching over 11 million students to provide equitable access to STEM resources and career connections to ignite student interest and help develop a diverse future workforce.

Tricia Johnston, Director, Communications & Community Engagement, oversees Capital Power’s Community Investment program, which includes working collaboratively and respectfully with Indigenous communities, supporting local community programs and organizations, and leading the employee giving programs. “We are proud to partner with Discovery Education to connect our engineers, plant managers, wind, solar, and natural gas experts to classrooms.”

She notes that, “One of the biggest challenges facing STEM industries, particularly energy companies, is ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. To address this issue, we work to take proactive steps to attract new talent and retain our existing workforce.”

She points out that, “Capital Power has invested in workforce development programs, mentorship opportunities, and STEM resourcing in schools. Our Enactus Canada and Bears’ Lair partnerships and summer intern programs help build interest, passion, and engagement with youth about the energy industry and career opportunities. We also sponsor the ROSIE project which connects women working in STEM industries with mentors to support their career development.”

Early exposure to STEM subjects and opportunities helps foster interest and confidence in young students, encouraging them to pursue careers in these fields. “As a power producer, we support STEM initiatives in schools by providing scholarships and offering guest lectures,” Johnston says.

The STEM Careers Coalition by Discovery Education is another vital program that connects industry with the classroom. “This is an exciting opportunity to connect Capital Power employees with students and introduce them to the incredibly wide range of STEM career paths,” Johnston says. “Our employees who share their career journeys through a video or in-person for class discussion have been so excited and passionate to participate. Likewise, they have been inspired by the student feedback and questions.”

Integrity and Innovation

Two important Capital Power values are integrity and innovation, which support driving creative solutions and encouraging teamwork in the workplace and with the communities they serve. These values translate directly into inspiring K-12 student curiosity and engagement in STEM.

“By fostering an environment where students feel safe to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and learn from mistakes, we create a culture of curiosity where innovation knows no bounds,” Johnston notes. “Integrity also means ensuring equitable access to STEM resources, so students from diverse backgrounds have opportunities to explore and grow. It’s incredibly important to mentor young people, host workplace visits, and take steps to remove barriers certain groups face to gain entrance and advance in STEM careers.”

She adds that, “Using the creative tools that the STEM coalition provides such as hands-on experiments, interdisciplinary projects, or video presentations from someone working in STEM keeps students engaged. Innovation isn’t just about new technology, it’s about encouraging young minds to think differently, explore possibilities, and take risks in their learning journey. Programs that connect STEM to realworld challenges make lessons feel relevant and exciting.”

Celebrating STEM

Capital Power is committed to showcasing the value of STEM both inside and outside the class room. Through strategic partnerships—such as its collaboration with Discovery Education and the STEM Careers Coalition—the company highlights real-world STEM applications and career paths to inspire today’s students. Capital Power actively celebrates STEM professionals by sharing employee stories that spotlight diverse roles and career journeys within the energy sector. These profiles showcase the wide range of opportunities available in STEM, and also reflect the company’s dedication to building a more inclusive and innovative future workforce. By connecting classroom learning to real-life careers, Capital Power is helping young people see themselves in the future of energy.

“Capital Power supports initiatives that promote openness and access to STEM,” Johnston emphasizes. “Our participation with Discovery Education and the STEM Career Coalition inspires the next generation at an early and critical point in their lives to visualize working in a STEM field. It’s a truly powerful incentive to develop a future workforce that is diverse and excited to innovate with us at Capital Power in providing sustainable energy solutions.

About the Author:
Tricia Johnston brings over 20 years of experience in communications, Indigenous and stakeholder engagement, and purpose-driven relationship building. As Head of Communications & Community Engagement at Capital Power, she leads with listening and care, working collaboratively with communities to align shared values, needs, and priorities. Tricia is dedicated to fostering thriving, healthy economies through meaningful dialogue and partnership.

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