Windham Initiative for Renewable Energy (WIRE) Fundraising for New High School Solar, Wind, and Weather Monitoring Moves into High Gear
Windham, NH Renewable Energy Group takes next step towards installing new Wind and Solar systems for the New Windham High School to open in September of 2009.
Windham, NH (PRWEB) January 21, 2009 -- The Windham Initiative for Renewable Energy (WIRE) begins fundraising for a Solar, Wind, and Weather Monitoring Station at the new Windham High School to open in September of 2009.
After months of research, meetings with experts, and visits to similar programs throughout New England to determine the best system to install that would provide students the broadest range of exposure to various renewable energy systems available on the market today, the committee unanimously agreed upon a combination of various small to medium sized wind turbines, different photovoltaic solar arrays, and a weather monitoring station.
"We are very excited by this opportunity for our town to take a first step toward educating the next generation of consumers, high school students, about the benefits of renewable energy," noted WIRE Chairman Alan Carpenter. "The renewable energy industry will become very important to our country's push for energy independence in the coming years, and we want to help our students get a head start for potential careers in this area."
"This comprehensive system will help plant the seed of excitement among the students about renewable energy and will spread that knowledge and excitement among friends and family. It will also give Windham High students and extra competitive edge when applying to colleges for engineering programs focused on renewable energy," noted Mary Fries, Dean of Mathematics, Science, and Technology for the new Windham High School and a member of the WIRE committee. "Additionally, we hope to make the data from these systems available on the Internet, so interested Windham residents can see how weather in our area impacts the various systems," added Ms. Fries.
Committee member, Bill Hutchings, will be spearheading the effort to secure corporate donations. "There are many corporations that have expressed interest in the WIRE program. There are a number of engineering companies in the area already looking for bright young students coming out of local colleges and universities with renewable energy education," said Hutchings. "They are very excited about our forward thinking with regard to not only getting our students excited about renewable energy but also setting them up for what is already a rapidly expanding employment market."
The WIRE committee is looking to raise $100,000 to install the minimum configuration. Funds in excess of $100,000 will expand the kinds, number of systems, monitoring, and educational aids that can be purchased and implemented.
Small and large, private, tax-deductible donations, in association with the Windham Endowment for Community Advancement, are welcome and can be made using Paypal (no Paypal account is required) via the "Contributions" page of the Wire-NH website. No taxpayer funds will be utilized.
Windham Initiative for Renewable Energy (WIRE) is a local organization whose mission is to inspire our citizens and educate our students on the benefits of renewable energy. WIRE is committed to raising awareness of environmental issues and ensuring our country's energy independence. WIRE challenges government and businesses to follow Windham's lead in promoting "green" policies and installing renewable energy systems in our community.
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