New Programs and Partnerships
Consumers Energy Contract
NEF has been selected by Consumers Energy, one of the nation’s leading investor-owned electric and gas utilities, to conduct an energy efficiency education program targeted to grades 4-6. The program will reach a significant percentage of schools in the state of Michigan. One component of Consumers Energy’s 2009-2014 Energy Optimization Plan, the program has been designed to produce measurable electricity and natural gas savings, while also providing a quality energy education experience for Michigan students and teachers. Consumers Energy is headquartered in Jackson, Michigan.

Academy of Energy Web Site
The Academy of Energy web site is a premier teacher and student resource for school districts that partner with Johnson Controls, Inc. and participate in The Academy of Energy Education.

The web site is filled with information, curriculum content, activities, energy efficiency measurements, statistics, surveys, resources and more focusing on “green energy” education and technology that connects directly to specific curriculum in states and provinces. The site offers specified for students, for teachers, and for every one that will assist people to make educated decisions related to learn about energy and energy efficiency, energy conservation and environmental stewardship.

Center For Energy Workforce Development Partnership
NEF announces a new partnership with the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) to promote the use of K-12 energy literacy materials and training services by CEWD members and state consortia. Special Think! Energy energy literacy curriculum packets are available for grades K-3, 4-6, and 7-12, and NEF trainers provide both teacher training and train the trainers workshops. Recently, NEF conducted two workshops in Georgia in partnership with the Georgia Energy and Industrial Construction Consortium.

Renewable Energy Instructional Posters Development Project
NEF is pleased to announce a new poster development project and because renewable energy is at the forefront of energy topics for education, three new posters will be added to the NEF product line. The new instructional posters; Solar Energy, Wind Energy, and Geothermal Energy will compliment the existing Renewables Energy Poster and the other family of NEF energy resource posters.

The posters will have many uses, but they are primarily being created for teachers, students, guidance counselors, and parents. They can also be used in libraries and community buildings, at visitor centers and in a variety of public and community relations ways.

Take Action Program Renewals
Building upon the pronounced success of the 2008-09 Take Action! energy efficiency education programs, several NEF programs have been renewed and expanded for the 2009-10 school year. As word of mouth about the quality and effectiveness of NEF's Take Action! program has spread, programs sponsored by PPL, Vectren, Indianapolis Power & Light, Citizens Gas, and NIPSCO have all seen a huge increase in demand from educators, leading to a significantly increased commitment to the program from utility sponsors. NEF appreciates the efforts its utility partners are making to ensure that educator demand for the programs is met.

APPA Conference
NEF had the fortune to attend the annual American Public Power Association (APPA) Conference June 15th and 16th in Salt Lake City, Utah. The conference provided NEF the opportunity to roll out our new display booth for its first use. Sunny Dent, VP Programs Operations presented a showcase on one of NEF’s most successful energy education programs, Murray City Power's, Kid Power.

NEF would like to thank the APPA and Jeff Tarbert, Executive Vice President, American Public Power Association for the opportunity to attend the conference.

Upcoming Dates:

August 12th, 13th — Take Action Facilitator Training, Salt Lake City, UT
Utah Energy Forum — August 17 Park City, UT
Utah Mining Association Annual Convention — August 21 Park City, UT
NASEO Annual Meeting — Sept. 13-16 Annapolis, MD
September through November — Take Action Program Implementation
New Academy of Energy web site launch — September 17