As a boy in rural Utah, David Lloyd planted seeds and watched things grow.
Now, as NRG's director of community relations and the Carlsbad Chamber's vice chair of public policy, he helps plant seeds of sustainability that are reaping beneficial results for Carlsbad High School students, and through them, their community. Lloyd modestly attributes his effort to serendipity.
“Last spring, members of the school's Alternative Energy Organization (AOE) participated in the chamber's sustainability workshop,” he said. “NRG was interested in supporting a hands-on green project. When I observed the students' commitment to initiate a Renewable Energy Class, I determined that NRG should get involved.”
Even before the class was created this fall, NRG, Carlsbad High and the community partnered in a spring project where AOE members learned the science of solar energy and built solar panels.
“Watching kids saw and solder was exciting,” Lloyd told me, joking that it was also “mildly terrifying.”
The synergistic effort was impressive. Students, faculty, NRG and power plant employees, some who brought their children, gave up free time on Saturdays to participate. Borrego Solar's Human Services Director made the trek to Carlsbad to showcase the many kinds of jobs available in what is certain to be a growing employment market.
“He talked about solar sales, accounting, installation and other positions,” Lloyd recounted. “When he said, 'If you want to work here, this is what I want to see on your resume,' the students were totally engaged.”
Seed money produces dividends in student learning
NRG donated $30,000 to the chamber's Partners in Education Foundation to create this year's Renewable Energy Class. The money funded solar cells and related supplies, as well as curriculum development and textbooks.
John Alexander, who teaches the pilot class, said the program is extremely successful.
“Students learn where energy comes from, how it is used and how to make smart choices about it,” he said.
In an early assignment, using watt meters provided through the NRG grant, they conducted home energy audits to measure usage of various appliances.
“Knowing how to go solar will help me pursue a career in architecture,” said student Ashley Adams.
Her classmate, Tommy Gordon, said he enjoys the course's applied approach.
“The information will help us solve energy needs,” he said.
By the end of the year, the students will design solar panels for a building on campus, thus leaving an enduring green legacy at their school.
From seeds to seed dollars, David Lloyd has remained true to his roots. NRG and the chamber are to be commended for their commitment to sustainability, education and the future of planet Earth.
Calling CUSD stakeholders
Please join the district's Community Conversation from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Carlsbad High School Library to garner information and provide input on students' college and career readiness. For more information, call (760) 331-5013.
Now, as NRG's director of community relations and the Carlsbad Chamber's vice chair of public policy, he helps plant seeds of sustainability that are reaping beneficial results for Carlsbad High School students, and through them, their community. Lloyd modestly attributes his effort to serendipity.
“Last spring, members of the school's Alternative Energy Organization (AOE) participated in the chamber's sustainability workshop,” he said. “NRG was interested in supporting a hands-on green project. When I observed the students' commitment to initiate a Renewable Energy Class, I determined that NRG should get involved.”
Even before the class was created this fall, NRG, Carlsbad High and the community partnered in a spring project where AOE members learned the science of solar energy and built solar panels.
“Watching kids saw and solder was exciting,” Lloyd told me, joking that it was also “mildly terrifying.”
The synergistic effort was impressive. Students, faculty, NRG and power plant employees, some who brought their children, gave up free time on Saturdays to participate. Borrego Solar's Human Services Director made the trek to Carlsbad to showcase the many kinds of jobs available in what is certain to be a growing employment market.
“He talked about solar sales, accounting, installation and other positions,” Lloyd recounted. “When he said, 'If you want to work here, this is what I want to see on your resume,' the students were totally engaged.”
Seed money produces dividends in student learning
NRG donated $30,000 to the chamber's Partners in Education Foundation to create this year's Renewable Energy Class. The money funded solar cells and related supplies, as well as curriculum development and textbooks.
John Alexander, who teaches the pilot class, said the program is extremely successful.
“Students learn where energy comes from, how it is used and how to make smart choices about it,” he said.
In an early assignment, using watt meters provided through the NRG grant, they conducted home energy audits to measure usage of various appliances.
“Knowing how to go solar will help me pursue a career in architecture,” said student Ashley Adams.
Her classmate, Tommy Gordon, said he enjoys the course's applied approach.
“The information will help us solve energy needs,” he said.
By the end of the year, the students will design solar panels for a building on campus, thus leaving an enduring green legacy at their school.
From seeds to seed dollars, David Lloyd has remained true to his roots. NRG and the chamber are to be commended for their commitment to sustainability, education and the future of planet Earth.
Calling CUSD stakeholders
Please join the district's Community Conversation from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Carlsbad High School Library to garner information and provide input on students' college and career readiness. For more information, call (760) 331-5013.