Summit teaches youth about energy

Learn what energy is all about at the Youth Energy Summit kickoff event from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at the WEAC Auditorium, 611 Fifth St. S.W., Willmar.

This energetic evening will feature information about the challenges and opportunities of energy from J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for Fresh Energy, as well as performances by award-winning musician Michael Monroe, who lives and records his music in a solar-powered log cabin near Lake Superior.

Youth Energy Summit student teams will be introduced, and students participating in an “appreciative inquiry” project through Clean Up the River Environment will share stories of energy pioneers. YES is a long-term initiative of Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in Spicer and the Southwest Initiative Foundation, based in Hutchinson. CURE and other organizations provided additional funding and contributions.

This initiative was started to educate teams of students in eighth through 12th grades about issues and opportunities related to energy in a hands-on environment. They will learn from energy resources and industry experts and become energized to take on an energy action project in their home communities.

YES was conceived as a means to engage the power of youth in truly making a difference in their community, and in the world, through energy conservation and community-based energy projects.

“If renewable energy is the future, why not let those with the most at stake help set the course?” said Dave Pederson, executive director of Prairie Woods.

“Our foundation is currently developing a Renewable Energy Awareness Program (REAP) that focuses on preparing the next generation to embrace and consider careers in the renewable energy sector and to help schools and communities understand the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy,” said Cheryl Glaeser, program specialist for the Southwest Initiative. “We believe our partnership with PWELC is the best way to begin accomplishing these goals.”

Everyone is welcome at no charge. For more information, contact Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center at www.prairiewoodselc.org.

(Terry Davis is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at davis@hutchinsonleader.com.)