Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance announces the 2016-17 Lights for Learning Program
The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) is pleased to announce the 2016-2017 Lights for Learning® program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. The program provides free educator resources to build an engaging lesson plan that stimulates student awareness of energy efficiency and inspires students to take action.
The program promotes energy-efficient products and practices in Illinois neighborhoods and communities by empowering students as community energy efficiency ambassadors. The habits that students adopt through Lights for Learning presentations and activities make energy-conscious and environmentally-aware choices an integral part of the rest of their lives.
Interactive energy demonstrations, presentations, student activity books and a free LED bulb for each participating student bring energy efficiency to life, teaching practical money- and energy-saving tips. Program resources are tailored for the following age groups:
• Jr. Energy Heroes (Grades K-1)
• Energy Heroes (Grades 2-4)
• Energy Champions (Grades 5-8)
• Energy Leaders (Grades 9-12)
Lights for Learning also offers three student contests during the 2016-2017 school year, encouraging students to apply their creativity toward developing posters, poems and videos that promote energy efficiency. In the past, participating school representatives have called the program a "great resource" with "fitting levels of knowledge and the content", and the majority participates in multiple years.
During the 2005-2014 period, over 1,100 schools have participated in the program, giving more than 1,700 presentations to over 130,000 students. The Lights for Learning resources have yielded over 66,000 MWh in lifetime energy savings for participants, which is equivalent to the annual energy use of 6,849 homes or 49,495,302 pounds of coal.
The Lights for Learning website also offers information on other energy efficiency and savings opportunities from the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, including ILLINOIS ENERGY NOW programs such as the Savings Through Efficiency Products (STEP) and Illinois Home Performance, also offered through MEEA, as well as other assessment, training, rebate and education-related programs.
Visit lights4learning.org for more information and to bring this program to your school.
About the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA)
MEEA is the Midwest's key proponent and resource for energy efficiency policy, helping to educate and advise a diverse range of stakeholders on ways to pursue a cost-effective, energy-efficient agenda. Through partnerships, programs and a dynamic annual conference, we curate a forward-thinking conversation to realize the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency. Visit Mwalliance.org to learn more.