February 14, 2005 — Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced today that the Laker School District in Pigeon and Fraser Public Schools in Fraser have received Energy Smart Schools Energy Education grants totaling nearly $10,500 from the Michigan Energy Office.

The Laker School District, which is located in Huron County, received a grant for $6,000. Fraser Public Schools, in Macomb County, received a grant for $4,482.50.

“The 21^st Century Jobs Initiative outlined in my 2005 State of the State includes making Michigan the epicenter of alternative energy research. We are investing in our future by teaching children today about energy efficiency and renewable energy resources,” Granholm said. “Today’s children will be tomorrow’s scientists and engineers so it’s never too early to spark an interest in energy opportunities.”

The energy education grants will be used to introduce energy efficiency and renewable energy curriculum into the classroom. All curriculum materials were provided by the National Energy Education Development Association (NEED), a Rebuild America strategic partner.

Funding for the grant was made available through the U.S. Department of Energy.  The grant is administered by the Department of Labor & Economic Growth’s (DLEG) Energy Office through the Rebuild Michigan Program (RM) www.michigan.gov/eorebuild

"These grants will aid the schools in reducing their energy consumption while educating their students on the importance of energy conservation," DLEG Director David C. Hollister said. “Only through education and outreach can we develop energy awareness in our communities.”

Both districts began incorporating energy education into their curriculum in January and both are supplementing classroom lessons with extra-curricular energy activities such as an “energy club” and an “alternative energy fair” that will encourage others in the districts to participate. Both grants are active until the end of this school year.

For additional information, please contact Kathy Dickens, Laker School District at (989) 453-4605, Rick Repicky, Fraser Public Schools at (586) 879-2201 or Tim Shireman, Michigan Energy Office at (517) 241-6281 or tashire@michigan.gov. 

The Energy Office is a part of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) which is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.  For more information about the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, visit the department’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dleg.