In 2009, Bright Ideas grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded in the spring and fall to credentialed teachers, professors, instructors, principals, deans, department heads, district administrators and facilities managers within five major categories listed below:
— Educational Solar Projects.
— Youth Energy and Environmental Programs.
— Renewable Energy or Science Related Field Trips.
— Green Your School Projects.
— Professional Development/Service Learning Projects/Workforce Development Programs.
“We are proud to inform, inspire and support the education of our future leaders,” said Ophelia Basgal, vice president of civic partnerships and community initiatives at PG&E. “These students are learning how to make real contributions in the advancement of renewable energy and the fight against climate change. We thank the participating schools who make this possible with their commitment and dedication.”
The PG&E Solar Schools Program includes installation of photovoltaic systems in public schools, a solar-based curriculum training package, workshops for teachers, and Bright Ideas grants. Since its inception in 2004, PG&E shareholders have contributed more than $8 million to the PG&E Solar Schools program. With more than 125 schools participating throughout PG&E’s northern and central California service area, the program has trained more than 3,000 teachers, benefiting almost 200,000 students.
PG&E partners with leaders in the education sector and the solar industry to deliver the training and infrastructure associated with this program. The National Energy Education Development Project manages curriculum training and administration of the Bright Ideas grants, and the Foundation for Environmental Education coordinates installation of the donated photovoltaic systems.
PG&E’s award-winning Solar Schools Program is nationally recognized for teaching the value of renewable energy. It has been awarded the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s IREC Annual Innovation award, named “Education Innovator of the Year” by the San Francisco Business Times and received the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, California’s highest and most prestigious environmental honor.
