Unity College Students to Help Area High Schools Improve Energy Efficiency

Three Unity College students have been chosen by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Air, to participate in internships at two Unity area high schools. The focus of their efforts will be to support high school students to conduct energy audits and identify energy efficiency strategies, saving taxpayers money.

“Considering the concerns of Mainers regarding taxes and energy costs, this project will likely meet with widespread public support and approval,” said Jennifer Olin, Community Based Learning Coordinator at Unity College. “This project will provide a pathway to long-term energy cost savings for SAD # 34 and SAD # 3. It will help these school districts pro-actively find ways to cut their energy costs. It will also help schools to increase their energy efficiency.”

One of the goals of the project is to reduce carbon emissions at the schools by 2% annually, Olin added. The Unity College interns will be assigned to work with students at Mt. View High School in Thorndike, and the Belfast Community Outreach Program in Education (BCOPE) high school in Belfast.

Olin noted that the benefits of this program and internships will also include a strong educational component for the high school students.

“Since the high school students will be working closely with Unity College students and learning a myriad of skills, this is an educational opportunity in addition to a cost savings and energy efficiency initiative to benefit these schools,” said Olin. “Potentially, this is also an opportunity for high school students to explore a career path within the green industry.”

Long-term, the potential impact of this program is significant.

“We envision that the high school students participating in this program will go on to develop energy efficiency strategies at other schools in their district,” explained Olin. “They will also have the skills to advise home owners on ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.”

She noted that this internship is one of the ways in which Unity College students work to benefit organizations, groups and individuals throughout the region.

“Unity College is very focused on the importance of hands-on involvement that will enhance not only the educational experience of our students, but also address the needs of many outside the campus community,” said Olin.

A core value of Unity College in its mission statement is to create responsible citizens to positively impact their communities throughout their lives.

For more information contact Jennifer Olin, Community Based Learning Coordinator at Unity College, (207) 948-3131, ext. 273, or e-mail jolin@unity.edu.

Unity College is a small private college in rural Maine that provides dedicated, engaged students with a liberal arts education which emphasizes the environment and natural resources. Unity College graduates are prepared to be environmental stewards, effective leaders, and responsible citizens through active learning experiences within a supportive community.