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College of Engineering & Computer Science California State University, Sacramento

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SMUD Electric Power Collaboration

Group Photo - ECS Dean, CSUS President, Doris Matsui, ASI President
College of ECS Dean Kevan Shafizadeh, ASI President Samantha Elizalda, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, CSUS President Robert Nelsen, EEE Faculty Atousa Yazdani, EEE Department Chair Milica Markovic

About the Partnership

The SMUD Fund is a vital resource supporting projects that drive research,
innovation, economic growth, and community development in the
Sacramento region. Through the SMUD Anchor Institution Partner
Investment for Power Engineering, significant support is provided to the
College of Engineering and Computer Science and the SMUD Ambassador
Program within the Division of Student Affairs at Sacramento State.

This partnership offers a range of opportunities to enhance power engineering
education and community engagement. It supports the development and
update of the power engineering curriculum, participation in career and
internship fairs, and the hosting of professional energy colloquiums.
Additionally, funds can be used for research and development projects,
collaborative meetings with SMUD engineers, and student recruitment
efforts.

One of the key components of the partnership is the SMUD Ambassador
Program, which selects students to represent the partnership and act as
liaisons between SMUD, Sacramento State, and the community. These
ambassadors receive training on SMUD's career outreach programs and play
a crucial role in mentoring youth in STEM events, particularly in underserved
schools.

Educational outreach is a significant focus, aiming to recruit diverse youth to
power engineering and support retention efforts for current and prospective
students. This includes participation in educational activities at local schools,
after-school science fairs, and equity educational fairs. Ambassadors also
support students from diverse backgrounds through mentoring and tutoring,
fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Furthermore, the partnership provides access for SMUD to participate in career
and internship fairs, facilitating workforce development in the energy sector.
Through info sessions and career demo presentations, students gain valuable
insights into the day-to-day experiences of professionals in power
engineering, helping them align their academic pursuits with future career
opportunities.

In summary, the SMUD Anchor Institution Partner Investment for Power
Engineering is a multifaceted partnership that not only enhances education
and research in power engineering but also fosters community engagement
and workforce development in the Sacramento region.

President, dean, faculty and students group photo
CSUS President, College of ECS Dean, ECS Faculty, Staff, and Students