STEM Education for Tomorrow s Energy Leaders
Abstract
AbstractAt three times the size of California, Alaska is home to more than 200 remote communities not connected to each other by road or transmission line, entirely reliant on imported diesel fuel. Some residents face electricity rates eight times greater than the national average. The Alaska Legislature established the Renewable Energy Fund in 2008 to help Alaskans develop local renewable alternatives to diesel. More than 70 projects were implemented and now an estimated 30+ million gallons of diesel fuel are displaced annually. They also set goals to retrofit public buildings and passed legislation encouraging the financing of efficiency upgrades for commercial buildings. However, Alaska~s revenue crisis has resulted in reduced state support for clean energy programs. A resilient Alaskan future will depend on increased energy literacy and ahighly trained clean energy workforce. Founded in 2004, the mission of Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) is to advance clean energy in Alaska through education, training, and advocacy. REAP partners with the AlaskaRegional Collaboration for Technology Innovation and Commercialization (ARCTIC) to promote and support energy research, education and technology. REAP~s primary roles under ARCTIC are to: deliver Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curricula; support vocational training; and expand the Islanded Grid Resource Center (IGRC) network. REAP~s energy education work focuses on K-12 STEM education through AK EnergySmart andWind for Schools. REAP~s Energy Education Director reaches 5,000 students annually and is the only dedicated K-12 energy educator in Alaska. REAP seeks to scale the program by hiring two additional STEM educators to increase energy literacy through STEM education to more of the 130,000+ K-12 students and 7,600+ teachers throughout Alaska. REAP also seeks to build upon the success of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP), a diverse network of partnersproviding seven remote, high energy cost communities in Southeast Alaska with expertise in energy, local food production, resource management, economic development, and communications. REAP is positioned to provide STEM curricula and energy expertise in the region that will contribute to integrated solutions and foster greater resiliency. The Alaska Network for Energy Education and Employment objectives include mapping and cataloguing energy education and training opportunities in Alaska. ANEEE is engaged in an ongoing gap analysis and works toward greater alignment of the organizations working withinthe energy education sector through regular convenings and presentations. REAP seeks to strengthen and expand the program to increase Alaska~s energy literacy and career pathways, to cultivate a more robust and collaborative STEM, vocational, and university ecosystem. REAP and the Island Institute partnered to create the Islanded Grid Resource Center, a knowledge center that connects remote grid operators with experts in islanded grids. Given the threats posed by a changing climate and severe weather demands a critical evaluation of existinginfrastructure and the potential for clean energy and advanced grid controls to cultivate greater resiliency. REAP seeks to amplify learnings nation and worldwide and advance the transition to clean, secure and cost-effective energy.Increasing STEM skills and human capacity in the energy sector increases the security, resilience and efficiency of critical infrastructure. With program support and the human capacity to oversee and implement said programs, REAP can cultivate stronger STEM foundations and lead Alaskans to greater energy literacy and innovation that has local and global impact.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 09, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141912013
Entities
People
- Chris Rose
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Renewable Energy Alaska Project
- United States Navy