Pioneer Community Energy Sponsors Placer NextGen Science Initiative

Placer High School students are getting a boost in science education thanks to a $2,500 sponsorship from Pioneer Community Energy in support of the Placer NextGen Science Initiative. This initiative, led by the Placer High School Science Department and supported by the Hillmen Foundation, is focused on building a more relevant, hands-on, and conceptually rich science program to prepare students for success in STEM fields.

The Hillmen Foundation also joined Pioneer Community Energy by awarding a grant of $2,124, bringing the total to $4,624 to support the purchase of instructional tools that promote deeper learning. Together, these funds have allowed the Science Department to purchase 10 wireless pressure sensors,enough for 36 students to work ingroups of four—along with additional tools that make learning science more interactive and meaningfulsuch as magnetic molecular modeling kits.

“These wireless pressure sensors and magnetic modeling kitswill be used across Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Global Systems Science courses,” said Suzanna Gardetto, Chair of the Placer High School Science Department. “They allow students to physically modelthe laws that govern gases as well asintermolecularandintramolecular forces, which deepens their understanding of key concepts likeweather, theproperties of waterand air,biomolecules, and the materials we use every day. Because these tools are durable, they will benefit students for years to come.”

The Placer NextGen Science Initiative aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which encourage students to demonstrate their understanding by modeling, analyzing data, and explaining their scientific thinking. These hands-on tools help make abstract concepts more concrete, building critical thinking and collaboration skills that prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

“Supporting STEM education is an investment in the future of our communities,” said Don Eckert, CEO of Pioneer Community Energy. “We are proud to partner with the Hillmen Foundation and Placer High School to create an exceptional learning environment that inspires the next generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders.”

With an A- issuer credit rating from S&P Global, Pioneer is a community-owned, not-for-profit electricity provider serving unincorporated Placer and El Dorado counties and the incorporated areas of Auburn, Colfax, Grass Valley, Lincoln, Loomis, Nevada City, Placerville, and Rocklin. Pioneer serves a population of more than 800,000 with nearly 175,000 residential and commercial meters and powers the communities it serves with competitive rates, exceptional local service, and a choice in energy options.

This initiative also sets the stage for the launch of a Biomedical Sciences career pathway at Placer High School in Fall 2026, in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW). Students will explore fields such as human body systems, medical interventions, and biomedical innovation, gaining valuable experiences that give them a competitive edge after graduation.

“Partnerships like this one with Pioneer Community Energy are essential,” said David Odom, Chair of the Hillmen Foundation Board of Directors. “They ensure that Placer High School has the tools and resources needed to give our students a world-class science education and inspire them to dream big about their futures.”

Thanks to this collaboration between Pioneer Community Energy, the Hillmen Foundation, and the Placer High School Science Department, students are gaining access to hands-on learning experiences that will fuel curiosity, improve understanding, and prepare them to become the problem-solvers and leaders of tomorrow. In addition to these funds, the Hillmen Foundation Board of Directors also recently approved two more grant requests for the Science Department: $990 for DNA Lab supplies and $3,000 for transportation for the Marine Biology program’s annual field trip to study Pacific Ocean sea life.