Students at St. Martin-based
Chatfield College have begun registering for a new, free 15-week course and six-week summer practicum in sustainable energy made possible by the
Duke Energy Foundation.
The course will cover current forms of energy used in the U.S. and around the world, as well as what to do on a personal level, according to instructor Eric Davenport.
"We will also be researching specific subjects that involve potential projects to reduce energy consumption at the St. Martin campus. This is important primarily for the follow-up course offered in the summer of 2011," says Davenport, who adds he has been talking to students about sustainability for years.
This course "is important to most of us in a variety of ways from saving money on utility bills to those who follow the 'green movement' to the very letter. It is a wonderful opportunity to be able to inform and assist those who want to know more to improve their own lives and directly/ indirectly improve the health of the environment at the same time," he says.
Chatfield, a private, Catholic, liberal arts college, hopes to expand the course to the Cincinnati campus next year.
The Duke Energy Foundation awards grants for projects that address the environment and energy efficiency, economic development and community vitality. It also gives money to employees and retirees who volunteer in their communities; matches 50 cents on the dollar for all employee and retiree contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations, and matches dollar for dollar for all educational institutions.
Source: Britney Grimmelsman, Chatfield College
Writer: Gabriella Jacobs