The Waterways Journal
July 24, 2023
By Nelson Spencer Jr.
(abstract by W. Venable)
In 2004… AEP River Operations (AEP) launched the RiverWorks Discovery program…the intent was to “educate the public in a positive light about river commerce and the career opportunities that come with the most fuel-efficient, safe and environmentally friendly form of transportation.”
“We thought if you could educate school children they would educate their parents and eventually pass along to their congressional representatives the story of the river,” Knoy said. “We also thought it could become a great recruitment tool.”
Today, one of RiverWorks Discovery’s most popular programs is “Who Works the Rivers,” a career discovery event held in river communities across the nation that primarily targets high school students preparing to enter the workforce. Strategically, Who Works the Rivers seeks to benefit not only individual students and maritime companies but also the communities they call home.
“From the first event in Pittsburgh in 2011, Who Works the Rivers has now been held in 15 different cities around the country, and we’re continuing to add more,” Howard said. “Who Works the Rivers is an educational and career awareness event where students get to interact with industry professionals and participate in hands-on stations that reflect careers in the maritime industry.”
RiverWorks Discovery has a number of Who Works the Rivers events and other initiatives already on the calendar for 2023. For more information, visit https://www.riverworksdiscovery.org