Completed Projects - [ CREST ]
Regional Youth Leadership for Career & Research Exploration for Students and Teachers (CREST) was designed to develop leadership skills and entrepreneurship in regional youth while promoting economic development of the region. The primary goal of CREST was to raise awareness of the science, mathematics and technology needs of the entire Red Hills Project. Middle school students and teachers were introduced to interdisciplinary environmental research, career opportunities in science and engineering, and entrepreneurship. Awareness gained through projects like CREST will significantly impact the long-range development of and supply of employees for the Project and ultimately contribute positively to the economy of the region.
Crest 2003 and 2004
The Partners of CREST
The Mississippi Lignite Mining Company was formed in 1997 with the intent of supplying lignite coal to the Red Hills Power Plant in Choctaw County Mississippi.
The power plant is owned by Choctaw Generation, LLP, an affiliate of Tractebel Electricity and Gas International and has a 30-year contract to supply electricity to the Tennessee Valley Authority.
These companies have made a significant commitment to the local economy of the region and have made a significant commitment to education. The Red Hills Mine feels the need to educate the public of the impact of the mine on the community and it's people. The Mine must also be able to employ a competent workforce over the next 30 years.
The Objectives of CREST
These objectives outline specific areas addressed by CREST; the general goals of the project are discussed at the top of this page.
- To develop in middle school students in Choctaw, Oktibbeha, Webster, Montgomery, Attala, and Winston counties basic skills and workplace competencies required of today's technology-oriented workforce through interaction with Red Hills personnel.
- To provide students with meaningful interdisciplinary research experiences focusing on resource development and the environment.
- To enhance the content knowledge and data collection and analysis techniques of students and teachers through real-world research experiences.
- To increase awareness of environmental issues relating to resource development and preservation.
- To incorporate environmental research issues and experiences into the local curriculum.
- To promote economic development of the region by increasing awareness of career opportunities in science and engineering.
- To adapt curriculum modules to incorporate research and workplace experiences.
Crest 2001
The Partners of CREST
The Mississippi Lignite Mining Company was formed in 1997 with the intent of supplying lignite coal to the Red Hills Power Plant in Choctaw County Mississippi.
The power plant is owned by Choctaw Generation, LLP, an affiliate of Tractebel Electricity and Gas International and has a 30-year contract to supply electricity to the Tennessee Valley Authority.
These companies have made a significant commitment to the local economy of the region and have made a significant commitment to education. The Red Hills Mine feels the need to educate the public of the impact of the mine on the community and it's people. The Mine must also be able to employ a competent workforce over the next 30 years.
The Objectives of CREST
These objectives outline specific areas addressed by CREST; the general goals of the project are discussed at the top of this page.
- To develop in middle school students in Choctaw, Oktibbeha, Clay and Winston counties skills related to formation and operation of a business.
- To provide students with meaningful interdisciplinary research experiences focusing on resource development and the environment.
- To enhance the content knowledge and data collection and analysis techniques of students and teachers through real-world research experiences.
- To acquaint students and teachers with the basic skills and workplace competencies required of today's technology-oriented workforce through interaction with Red Hills personnel.
- To increase awareness of environmental issues relating to resource development and preservation.
- To incorporate environmental research issues and experiences into the local curriculum.
- To promote economic development of the region by increasing awareness of career opportunities in science and engineering.
- To adapt curriculum modules to incorporate research and workplace experiences.