NC GreenPower announced earlier this year a list of awardees from 15 North Carolina schools that were awarded a solar educational package valued at $42,000. The schools will also receive donated SunPower solar modules, a STEM curriculum, and teacher training.

“When we learned about the NC Green Power Grant for schools, students and faculty at Northeast Elementary became very excited about it and we decided to apply,” said Rashard Curmon, Principal.

The NC GreenPower Grant can provide Northeast Elementary with an important contribution to their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) curricula.

“In particular my class interest in solar energy started with the celebration of Earth’s Day. As we researched on this matter, we found an article published in March 2017 by a peer review journal named Environmental Research Letters, which thoroughly explained the importance of using solar panels in schools,” said Rubi Blancas, Second Grade Teacher, and Northeast Elementary Grant Committee.

Students will learn about potential future professional careers and learn new sustainable ways to support their communities.

“This grant allows schools to install an educational solar photovoltaic (PV) array, and provides comprehensive resources and training on solar education in order to use a weather station, data monitoring, and a curriculum for teachers for grades 3 - 5,” said Curmon.

The school seeks to offer a broader range of new outdoor hands-on activities that will also strengthen bonds through joint activities with the Kinston community.

“We found that it reduces electricity costs, but also adds up to the efforts to lower the carbon footprint, which is responsible for the greenhouse effect in our planet,” said Blancas. “The carbon footprint causes temperatures to rise contributing to an imminent climate change phenomena.”

After the pandemic experience, Northeast Elementary students are more aware of things that can affect the world as a whole, they recognize and value the importance of joint actions.

“Solar energy education is important to our students because it teaches them to be curious and understand their surroundings. This will help students relate to their living environment while developing strong Science Technology, Engineering and Math skills,” said PTO President to Northeast Elementary Mrs. Yoshiko Roach.

Northeast Elementary School represents Lenoir County and Eastern North Carolina, as an awardee school. Northeast Elementary is asking for support to raise $ 6,000 to go solar. As part of the fundraiser efforts, their Elementary school will also organize a Fun Run in Kinston next October 2021.

Follow Northeast Elementary on Facebook and visit the NC GreenPower web page to donate at: https://donate.ncgreenpower.org/RocketsNE