S1in the News: Solar CTE Programs

Solar One developed its work in schools in partnership with the New York City Department of Education’s Office of Sustainability and its Office of Postsecondary Readiness. The idea developed because more schools in the city were adding solar energy systems.

Solar-school partnerships can also help refresh educators skills. Teachers who have been in the field for 20 to 30 years don’t always have the most up-to-date knowledge on the energy industry, Alsen explains. Plus, even the solar field is “changing pretty rapidly,” she said. 

Recent research has shown that solar panels on schools can result in significant savings in energy costs, which are typically second only to salary expenses for school districts. The installations then provide schools with STEM learning opportunities. In fact, through the NYCDOE’s CTE Industry Scholars Program, four students participated in paid internships this past summer working on school installations.

You can read more about Solar One's solar CTE programs as well as similar programs across the country on the EducationDive website here.