Funding Available for Schools Interested in Energy Conservation

To generate greater awareness towards energy efficiency and conservation among students in the classroom, the Provincial Government is accepting applications for the Save It Forward program. Total funding of $100,000 is available to support schools wishing to deliver programming focused on energy conservation.

“The Save It Forward program is an opportunity for students to learn how to conserve, and use, energy more wisely by participating in school-based projects that promote conservation and increase energy efficiency in the classroom,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Natural Resources. “The program delivers on a commitment in the provincial Energy Plan to invest in the development of innovative educational programs that engage young people in energy conservation and climate change. I encourage schools across the province to get involved with this very worthwhile initiative which educate our youth and promote the benefits of protecting our environment.”

Save It Forward is a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Education. In 2010, through Save It Forward initiatives, more than 8,400 students from over 30 schools across Newfoundland and Labrador learned about the importance of energy efficiency and conservation, and protecting the environment. The program is designed for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, and invites them to develop innovative ideas geared towards more efficient energy use in the classroom.

“Many schools in this province are using energy more efficiently, so today’s students are actually learning about the conservation of energy in environmentally-friendly settings,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “Instilling the value of energy conservation in our youth can only have a positive impact on our planet now, and long into the future.”

School districts will provide applications to schools, and teachers are encouraged to submit proposals to their respective school district office by December 9, 2011. Applications will be evaluated, and funding awarded to successful applicants by the end of January 2012.

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2011 11 15             11:35 a.m.