NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and the sun, announced a $10,000 donation to enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in western Oklahoma. The donation will provide more than 550 STEM kits to area high schools, including: Tonkawa, Watonga, Woodward, Seiling, Enid, Kremlin-Hillsdale, Alva, Aline-Cleo, Timberlake and Cimarron.

Company representatives delivered the STEM education kits to the schools on Friday, April 22.

This contribution is in addition to the

$26,000 donation made to schools in Western Oklahoma in November

2020.

“Companies like NextEra Energy Resources donating their time and resources to schools in rural areas provide the students here with an educational advantage,” says Cassie Jordan, Teacher at Tonkawa High School. “We see an abundance of wind farms developing around us, so being able to do a hands on project allows our students to develop more skills and peak their interests in wind power. Our science department is looking forward to adding these STEM kits to our curriculum.”

The STEM kits are a Kre8 Wind Generator Kit made by Kelvin Electronics. The kits walk students through the steps of building a wind turbine from multiple pieces and wind turbine blades. Once complete, the wind turbine powers a small LED light bulb demonstrating how wind is converted to energy.

“We are committed to investing in the success of students attending schools in communities we serve,” said

Bryce Kuhn, project manager for NextEra Energy Resources. “We feel it is our duty to encourage and support the next generation of leaders. We saw immense success in 2020 with a similar donation and are thrilled to have the opportunity to make an investment like this a second time.”

According to the latest jobs forecast by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, wind and solar technician jobs are among the fastest growing in the nation. In addition to the wind STEM kits, students receive an introduction guide to renewable energy career pathways and higher education opportunities, as well as certified training options in Oklahoma.

“A wind or solar energy project provides new, long term career opportunities for graduating students in the local area,” Kuhn said. “The wind industry’s growth is causing increased demand for skilled workers. Construction and operations jobs are available in areas where wind is abundant, such as western Oklahoma. As the state grows its renewable energy offerings, job opportunities will also emerge in solar and battery energy storage technologies.”

The STEM kit includes a teacher’s guide with lessons on different sources of energy and how wind can power their classrooms. The donation includes a comprehensive curriculum guide called WindWise, which was developed by the national renewable energy education organization, KidWind. This guide includes 17 additional lessons that explore the field of energy and provides more exercises that may be used for students in many grade levels.

“We applaud the work of teachers and know they work tirelessly to prepare students for real-world problem solving in their classrooms,” Kuhn said. “We want to support their efforts by providing these STEM kits to allow students hands-on experiences that makes learning fun and applicable.”

NextEra Energy Resources owns and operates wind facilities in 16 Oklahoma counties, as well as the first battery energy storage system in the state and the Southwest Power Pool market.