The Kentucky NEED Project

The Kentucky affiliate of the NEED Project
Contact Karen Reagor, Director
Kentucky NEED Project
P.O. Box 176055
Covington , Kentucky 41017
Phone: 866-736-8941
Fax: 866-736-8942
Email: kreagor@need.org

What is Kentucky NEED?

Kentucky NEED is the state affiliate of the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, a nonprofit education association, dedicated since 1980, to equipping students and teachers with a realistic understanding of the scientific, economic and environmental impacts of energy.  Kentucky NEED takes a holistic approach to energy, providing core content-aligned curriculum for students, professional development for teachers and energy management programs for school operations and maintenance staff.

Kentucky NEED receives funding from a variety of sponsors who support making energy education training and curriculum materials readily available to schools throughout the Commonwealth.  Programs include: K-12 energy education materials that have been correlated to the Kentucky Core Content standards; professional development workshops for teachers; energy management programs for schools and workshops for school operations and management staff.

The 2009 Fall Issue of the Kentucky NEED Spotlight highlights opportunities for schools. 


Kentucky NEED Energy Workshops
Kentucky NEED hosts a series of teacher workshops across the Commonwealth each year.  These workshops are packed with curriculum materials and resources to teach energy in any discipline and at any grade level.  Participants will receive use of NEED’s hands-on Science of Energy Kits, Energy Management for Schools Kits and much more.   All NEED materials are correlated to Kentucky’s Core Content. 

This workshop will provide valuable information to teach energy content; support for those who are working on the Green & Healthy Schools energy inventory; and resources to facilitate forming an energy team at your school. 

There is NO cost for participating educators.  A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.   Substitute reimbursement is provided for up to two teachers per school – participants will receive a reimbursement form at the END of the workshop. 

Kentucky NEED partnerships in state-wide initiatives include:

2010 Kentucky Energy Conference for Educators - Kentucky Energy Tour

The 2010 Kentucky Energy Conference for Educators is not for the faint-hearted. Educators will spend five activity-packed days touring Kentucky, visiting energy sites and connecting energy to the classroom. All meals, lodging, and transportation on a charter tour bus are provided courtesy of conference sponsors. Applications will be available this fall.

Kentucky’s Green & Healthy Schools  (http://www.greenschools.ky.gov/)
The Kentucky Green and Healthy Schools (KGHS) Program is a new, voluntary effort to empower students and staff with the tools needed to take action and make their school operate at peak efficiency. KGHS incorporates a two-pronged approach. New or renovated schools may include a “green and healthy” design from the start. Existing schools participate as students inventory current school operations and implement action plans to improve school health and sustainability. Recognition and awards are administered through the Kentucky Environmental Education Council in cooperation with the Kentucky Department of Education and the Green and Healthy Schools Task Force.  Kentucky NEED is a resource to assist students in completing their Energy Inventory and/or developing their Energy Action Plan.

KEEPS (Kentucky Energy Efficiency Program for Schools) (http://louisville.edu/kppc/keeps)
The Kentucky Energy Efficiency Program for Schools (KEEPS) helps Kentucky school districts reduce energy consumption and lower operating expenses.  KEEPS offers participants a complete package of tools, training, coaching and expertise. KPPC also provides tools that allow KEEPS participants to analyze and understand their energy consumption, which includes everything from light usage and heating/air conditioning issues to natural gas usage and best environmental management practices.  Kentucky House Bill 2 Section 16 was signed into law on April 24, 2008 requiring all public school districts to enroll in the KEEPS program by Jan. 1, 2010.  Kentucky NEED assists districts who wish to build on the findings of their KEEPS evaluation to develop student energy teams, empowered to educate building occupants about the importance of practicing wise energy decision making in the school and at home.

How do you become involved?
Please write, fax, or email Karen Reagor the Kentucky NEED Director, to learn what sponsorship opportunities available in your community.  Kentucky NEED will keep you up-to-date regarding up-coming workshops, conferences, continuing education opportunities, and new additions to your curriculum materials. NEED memberships are valid for the duration of the school year.  Memberships are renewed on an annual basis; therefore, participating educators should update their membership information at the beginning of the school year by contacting the Kentucky NEED office.  

Sponsors of the Kentucky NEED Project include:

Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence

AEP - Kentucky

Dart Foundation

Duke Energy – Kentucky

Equitable Resources

Kentucky River Properties

Kentucky Oil & Gas Association

Kentucky Utilities Company

Louisville Gas & Electric

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc.