Partner with NEED
Partnership Overview
Each of NEED’s partnerships is unique. Since 1980, NEED has worked with thousands of partners across the country to design energy education programs that fit their needs. Many partnerships focus on a local area – providing curriculum resources and professional development training for teachers from that area. Other partnerships operate statewide or nationally.
Partners range from small donors and program partners to major signature programs. NEED specializes in creating signature programs that support NEED’s mission while supporting a partner’s interest in supporting energy in the classroom. Understanding energy is fundamental to making smart decisions.
NEED offers training and curriculum, as well as student leadership. We can support a partner’s local/regional/national efforts teaching kids and teachers about specific energy topics.
NEED can be your partner in creating and delivering workforce development and career readiness content. NEED has been working with partners to create hands-on content and training for students of all ages – from middle school to adults in need of a career change. NEED works with partners to customize the content to fit the program needs. For more information on programming, please contact NEED at info@need.org(opens in new tab).
Educator Training & Workshops
NEED works with school districts, energy companies, utilities, STEM organizations, and professional societies to develop customized, hands-on training. In-person and virtual workshops help educators build energy knowledge and bring engaging lessons into their classrooms.
Training can cover general energy concepts or focus on topics such as electricity, renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, transportation fuels, building science, and energy efficiency and conservation. NEED also offers facilitator training and specialized programs for school facilities personnel and energy managers.
Explore upcoming workshops and events.
Photos from Workshops, Trainings, and Events
Curriculum & Classroom Support
NEED develops curriculum covering energy transformations, energy sources, electricity, transportation fuels, and energy efficiency and conservation. Partners can support new curriculum development or expand existing resources to address specific topics and program needs.
Partnerships can also provide classroom materials, hands-on energy kits, and grant opportunities that help educators strengthen their energy education programs. Classroom grant applications are submitted online and reviewed by educators experienced in teaching energy.
Community & School Programs
NEED works with partners to design programs that connect energy learning with local schools, homes, and communities. Examples include:
- Solar Schools: Pair school solar installations with educator training and classroom curriculum to help students understand solar energy and the technology at their school.
- Saving Energy at Home and School: Combine classroom learning with home energy efficiency kits, engaging students and families in reducing energy consumption.
- Energizing Student Potential: Support energy education through professional development, hands-on curriculum, classroom grants, educational energy audits, and opportunities to explore energy facilities.
Programs can be customized to reflect a community’s interests, resources, and educational goals.
Working in Energy Efficiency?
We can help!
Make the most of your buildings for you and your occupants – students learn about building science, conduct educational energy audits, and more!
Interested in Workforce Development?
So is NEED
The energy industry sees workforce development as a high priority – let us help educate tomorrow’s employees today.
Installing Solar?
Let us help you!
We’ll assist in teaching educators and students how solar works and connect the PV systems to the classroom setting.
Energy Career & Workforce Development
NEED helps partners create and deliver hands-on career readiness content and training for audiences ranging from middle school students to adults exploring a career change.
Programs connect energy concepts with career opportunities and can be tailored to specific workforce needs. Career content may be developed as a stand-alone training module or incorporated into classroom units to reinforce energy knowledge while building workplace skills.
Explore NEED’s Career & Workforce Development curriculum.
Examples:
- U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration – Energy Industry Studies Program (EISP)
A primer program for new employees in the department. - Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP), Prince George’s County, Maryland
An energy-focused enrichment and workforce readiness program for students aged 14-15 during summer break. - Exelon Foundation STEM Academy
A summer immersion experience for high school-aged young women to learn more about STEM, energy and climate change, while gaining leadership opportunities and networking experience. - Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy
A summer weeklong immersion experience for high school-aged young men filled with immersive experiences that blend STEM with essential leadership skills while exploring sustainable energy solutions and networking with energy industry professionals. - Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), Energy Careers Pathways
A solar energy training program for adults ages 18 and up that includes hands-on technical skills training, classroom education, and professional skills development. - Pacific Gas and Electric (PGE), Career Energy Academies
Helping to create high school programming that prepares and trains students for energy sector jobs and certifications. - ComEd Create a Spark
This program seeks to supplement 9th – 12th grade Illinois students ongoing education through a fun, project-based STEM lesson utilizing real-world examples and mentored by experienced engineering professionals. - Constellation Youth Energy Summit (Y.E.S)
For students in 10th or 11th grade to engage in a week-long summer summit infused with leadership skills while learning about energy, electricity, and climate change.
Let’s Work Together
Interested in bringing energy education to your school, community, or organization? Tell us about your location, intended audience, and goals so we can explore a partnership that fits your needs.
Complete the form below or email info@need.org to get started.