Local schools participate in award-winning energy education program

Kentucky was recently recognized as the distinguished 2011 “state of the year” by the National Energy Education Development Project for its state energy education program.
The state’s program is partnered with the Louisville Gas and Electric Co. and Kentucky Utilities Co. Children’s Energy Education Program to help incorporate energy education into local schools.
Since 2009, the KU and LG&E Children’s Energy Education Program has reached 1,900 teachers in more than 600 schools within 66 Kentucky counties and 80,000 students throughout the service territory.
Four schools in Taylor County are central figures in the state receiving the award. They are Campbellsville elementary and middle schools and Taylor County elementary and middle schools.  
“Without the schools’ active participation, this program would not have impacted such a large number of students,” stated Kelly Couch, LG&E and KU Children’s Energy Education Program manager.
The program’s versatility and various elements enable customization to meet each school’s needs. NEED Regional coordinators, who partner with the KU and LG&E Children’s Energy Education Program, support the schools to provide energy efficiency and conservation education that complements Kentucky’s core curriculum.
The program also facilitates professional development workshops for teachers, as well as hands-on kits, equipment and resources for teachers to use in the classrooms.