 Youth Energy Summit (YES!)
The Youth Energy Summit (YES!) uses hands-on, experiential education and energy action projects to address energy opportunities and issues in our communities and in our region. YES! is a program of Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center and the Southwest Initiative Foundation.
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Increase knowledge about opportunities & issues related to energy sources, renewable energy, climate change and conservation
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Engage youth in their communities and empower then to take positive action
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Building young people’s awareness of career and economic opportunities in the clean energy industry
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Improve leadership and community-building skills
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Create more energy-sustainable communities
While engaging in a series of learning opportunities and events, YES! teams choose energy action projects that encourage them to think critically about how energy affects their communities. Through their projects, they interact with leaders and each other to find solutions.
Mark Your Calendars
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - Summit Kick-Off at Prairie Woods ELC
Monday, November 10, 2008 - Summit & Music/Message/Inspiration Community Event
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 - Winter Workshop
Saturday, April 18, 2009 - Earth Day Celebration
A Sampler of Energy Action Projects from 2007-2008
Overall goals of YES! energy action projects were to conserve energy, to generate clean and renewable energy, or to reduce climate change emissions within their own communities.
The Montevideo team used a grant to display solar-powered holiday lights in downtown Montevideo. Team members also created three short films to enter into the inaugural Green Carpet Film Festival and post on YouTube. The team supported alternative energies at a public hearing to, and researched energy audits for their community.
The Morris team approached the growing energy problem from different directions, with the goal of having an impact in their community. Education was included as the key to making real change. Their four main projects included: 1) a district-wide recycling program, with students collecting and sorting the materials on a surprise rotational basis, 2) a county-wide free electronic waste recycling day, 3) a shoreline restoration project for a local park, and 4) solar panels placed on their elementary school building, which is a project that the team will continue into next year.
The New London-Spicer team improved energy efficiency at New London’s Little Theatre by installing CFLs, researching recycling options, and doing the research and background work involved in the installation of insulation using “green” materials. The team pursued grants to help pay for insulation. They also researched a wind turbine appropriate for use on the Little Theatre. Finally, they developed an educational program called BUG—Buy Local, Use less, and Go Green—for use with elementary-aged students in their district .
The New Century Charter School team increased community awareness of the benefits of composting, to divert compostable garbage from landfills. The team undertook school and community education via tours and presentations at Creekside Composting Facility. The team also planned and held an Earth Day event at their school, including a “black-out” of electrical use.
The Willmar team worked with consultants and many community partners to undertake the renovation of a greenhouse. The greenhouse is being developed as a functioning model site for year-round food production. The team explored many heating options for the greenhouse, insulated the facility, did significant renovation, and began raising greens for the school cafeteria. An experimental biomass burner and recycled solar thermal panels are in place to heat the greenhouse. Community partners will assist in furthering the project, along with different departments at Willmar High School.
2007-2008 YES! Award Summary
Cash awards are to be used for a project that furthers the mission and spirit of the YES! program.
Grand Prize Award ($1000) ............................ Morris
Community Engagement Award ($500) ...... Willmar
Long-term Vision Award ($500) .................... Willmar
Carbon Footprint Award ($500) .................... Morris
Energy Conservation Award ($500) ............... NLS
Economic Impact Award ($500) .................... New Century Charter School (Hutchinson)
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