Huntsville, Ala – Energy Alabama was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the Toyota USA Foundation to support sustainable energy education in the Huntsville community. The grant will support sustainable K12 energy curriculum development and for the construction of “net zero energy” or off-grid tiny homes. Energy Alabama has partnered with Bob Jones High School and the Huntsville Center for Technology and construction of the first tiny home is already underway. The grant also enables more than 10,000 students to receive clean, sustainable energy instruction, events, and hands-on activities, all with a focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
“We know that the future of our society will be built on increasingly sophisticated technological expertise and innovative problem solving,” said Michael Rouse, Toyota USA Foundation President. “That’s why Toyota USA Foundation is proud to support these nonprofits, who are creating exciting opportunities to train and inspire the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering and math.”
High school students may be building the tiny homes but the community will be invited to finish assembly of the first tiny home over the summer of 2015.
“With this grant from the Toyota USA Foundation, we are able to provide the STEM education in sustainable energy and students will be inspired to enter careers in STEM related fields,” said Daniel Tait, CEO of Energy Alabama.
Examples of activities already undertaken as a result of this grant are:
- The “Switch Blade Competition” in which a team from the University of Alabama in Huntsville redesigned a wind turbine blade that performed 44% better at low speeds than the original design
- Participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Fest with a hands-on wind energy display reaching over 500 students at the K-12 level.
- Participation in two Earth day events with hands-on demonstrations including an ‘energy bike’ which taught more than 500 students the basic principles of energy.
- Hosting a public documentary screening of “Switch: Discover Our Energy Future”
About the Energy Alabama
Energy Alababma is accelerating the transition to sustainable, clean energy throughout Alabama. We do this by widely promoting sustainable energy as a feasible, state-wide goal, by executing high-impact clean energy projects across the State, and by providing people with information and opportunities to help make clean energy choices. We work with policy makers, public agencies, local governments, educational institutions, utilities, business and civic leaders and individuals to transform Alabama’s energy marketplace and beyond. ALCSE is committed to powering Huntsville with 100% clean and efficient energy by 2025 and Alabama by 2035.
# # #
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Daniel Tait at (256) 303-7773 or email at dtait@alcse.org.
