The partnership brings together employees of Reclamation's Lower Colorado Region together with the school's faculty to present partnership activities relevant to the school's science and mathematics curriculum. These activities include career presentations, technical support science-related field trips, serving as student mentors, support for math and science fairs and competitions such as the annual Student Model Bridge Building Contest. Signing for the Cortney Junior High School were Principal Daniel G. Phillips and Science Instructor Roann D. Triana. "I was an 'at risk' student at an 'at risk' school, and when I look at my students, I see myself. It is good to have your [Reclamation's] involvement with our school. It's exciting for what we can do together and I know it will benefit our students," said Phillips.

Reclamation's representatives were Engineering Services Office Director Julie Bader and Special Emphasis Program Manager Linda Rivera. "I value the contributions young people can make and I look forward to participating in this activity to help and mentor these students," said Bader.

"Partnerships such as this allow Reclamation to work with 'at risk' schools to increase the academic strength of student and expose them to challenging careers," said Rivera. "We also hope they'll someday see the Bureau of Reclamation as an employer of choice."

The first activity in which students will participate through the support of Reclamation employee will be the annual Student Model Bridge Building Contest, scheduled in March.