Clean Energy, Bright Futures Project

Clean Energy Bright Futures project photo

Education and industry partners prepare next generation to lead the clean energy economy

Clean Energy, Bright Futures works with schools and educators to build a clean energy future by encouraging students from all backgrounds to participate in Career Technical Education (CTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) clubs, internships, or apprenticeship programs.

Its mission is to transform education for the next decade through local engagement led by educators serving as Clean Energy Fellows in their communities. Sponsors fund the program and collaborate with local STEM/CTE leaders to build curriculum, educator capacity, resources, and connections to real-world projects. The program is funded by corporations, regional utilities, and philanthropic organizations. To date, over 250,000 students have benefitted from the hands-on clean energy learning activities offered by Clean Energy, Bright Futures. Instructors have access to science kits, like a solar panel or wind turbine module set, for example. A number of participating schools installed solar panels, which provide additional renewable energy education opportunities. The mission of the program is to build an informed citizenry, made up of educated energy consumers, problem solvers, and leaders in the clean energy economy.

PROJECT TYPE: Donation

LOCATION: United States of America (26 states activated & Washington D.C.)

RELATED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS):

This project contributes directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations:

SDG 4 – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

SDG 5 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

SDG 7 – Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

SDG 8 – Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

SDG 10 – Reduce inequality within and among countries.

SDG 13 – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 13

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action by countries in global partnership to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Co-benefits

ENVIRONMENTAL

Tackling climate change will require a diverse energy workforce of tech-savvy problem solvers. Clean Energy, Bright Futures engages young adults in the clean energy industry. To succeed in an equitable and clean energy transition, all students — regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status and geography — need to be set up for success.

ECONOMIC

The panels installed at Clean Energy, Bright Futures locations nationwide deliver clean power to participating schools. Those wanting to support the program can purchase renewable energy credits generated from the school’s solar array.

SOCIAL

Clean Energy, Bright Futures offers a sustained impact in traditionally excluded communities by giving access to family wage, wealth-building careers in energy.

Project photos

Photos courtesy of Clean Energy Bright Futures

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