What is it about?
Fusion energy is an abundant, promising technology that could play a major role in our energy future. As it advances, we need to build public understanding and prepare a skilled workforce to support its growth. This publication highlights how informal education programs, like afterschool initiatives, can introduce students and communities to fusion in engaging, accessible ways. A featured initiative, The Generation Fusion Program, successfully connected students with real-world STEM applications and helped build community awareness about fusion. This publication recommends expanding these efforts to ensure fusion’s success is supported by both an informed public and a prepared workforce.
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Why is it important?
Fusion energy has seen major breakthroughs in recent years, but the topic remains largely unfamiliar to the general public. This publication highlights a unique and timely approach to meet this challenge: using informal education programs to introduce students and communities to fusion. Unlike traditional education, this model reaches learners early, builds awareness, and creates meaningful connections between communities and the fusion energy sector. A standout example, The Generation Fusion Program, shows how students can gain real insight into cutting-edge science and engineering while industry benefits from a more informed public and prepared future workforce. As fusion moves closer to commercialization, these efforts could make a critical difference in securing broad public support and developing the talent pipeline needed to grow the sector.
Perspectives
In writing this article, I hope to highlight practical ways that STEM professionals, educators, and community engagement specialists can better connect with students and their communities when introducing complex topics like fusion. By sharing lessons learned and effective strategies, my goal is to help others create more engaging, and impactful STEM education experiences. I want readers to come away with ideas they can immediately adapt and implement to strengthen both public understanding and future workforce development in fusion energy.
Kayla Miller
STEM Kings & Queens
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Bridging the gap: Informal education's role in preparing students, communities, and the workforce for fusion energy, Physics of Plasmas, June 2025, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0269524.
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