Participants will leave WNY Energy with an understanding that renewable energy production combines science, engineering, agriculture, technology, and business to solve real-world problems, support the local economy, and provide rewarding career opportunities in Western New York.

Participants of the WNY Energy Tour will take a walking tour of the plant and meet employees involved in the various roles of operating the plant. The tour will focus on the following take-aways of participants. 

• Understand how renewable energy is produced from locally grown corn and how ethanol serves as an alternative transportation fuel.

• See how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are used every day in a modern manufacturing facility.

• Learn that careers at WNY Energy include engineers, laboratory technicians, electricians, mechanics, automation specialists, environmental professionals, business staff, and skilled trades.

• Recognize that STEM careers require teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking in addition to technical knowledge.

• Discover how chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and engineering are applied to solve real-world challenges in the renewable energy industry.

• See how WNY Energy supports sustainability by producing renewable fuel and finding valuable uses for byproducts instead of creating waste.

• Learn how local agriculture and industry work together, with New York farmers supplying the corn used to produce ethanol which supports local and small businesses. 

• Gain a better understanding of how classroom learning connects to real careers and everyday problem-solving.

• Greater awareness of the wide variety of STEM careers available in their own community.