Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon

Schools, communities, churches and youth organizations are encouraged to apply for the 2009-2010 Youth Energy Summit (YES!) program. YES! is team-oriented youth program that uses hands-on, experiential learning and energy action projects to address energy opportunities and issues in rural Minnesota communities.

Through YES!, teams of students grades 8 through 12 participate in events and activities during the school year to increase their knowledge about energy issues. Coached by an adult advisor and supported by YES! coordinators, the youth teams then plan and implement energy action projects in their communities. In 2009-2010, teams can apply for up to $2,750 to help cover costs and can compete for nearly $10,000 in awards. Interested teams are encouraged to submit applications by July 15, 2009. Applications may be considered beyond this deadline as program capacity allows.

Eligible participants will reside within 36 counties of south-central, southwest, and west-central Minnesota. See www.mnrem.org for a complete list of counties. For more information about YES!, visit www.youthenergysummit.com , e-mail sayyes@swifoundation.org or call 800-594-9480. YES! 2009-2010 is administered by the Southwest Initiative Foundation, implemented through partnerships with Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center and Prairie Ecology Bus Center, and funded in part through a grant from the Minnesota Renewable Energy Marketplace: An Alliance for Talent Development.