Dear Editor:

Solar Energy International (SEI) would like to thank the Xcel Energy Foundation for their ongoing support of our Solar In the Schools youth education program. They have once again donated $10,000 to our teacher training workshop entitled “Renewable Energy for Educators.” Their belief in renewable energy education has allowed SEI to deliver yet another successful four-day accredited teacher training in Carbondale.

This year’s workshop was full with 26 middle and high school youth educators from all over the country with the majority from Colorado and five teachers from the Roaring Fork Valley. We were also honored to host a middle school principal from Mexico and three educators from Pakistan.

Participants made solar ovens and model solar cars. They learned the principles of electricity and the importance of energy efficiency. They tested blade design on model wind turbines and learned how to design a passive solar home. They learned about our current energy portfolio and about the potential of renewable energy technologies. Most importantly, they all have gained confidence in bringing these lessons and activities back to their classrooms.

If you know of any teachers who would be interested in taking this workshop next year, don’t hesitate to tell them about SEI and our Solar In the Schools program.

Knowledge is power.

Soozie Lindbloom

coordinator, Solar In the Schools

Solar Energy International