Last Call: Green Team Mini-Grant idea form due March 13!

KEEP supports place-based learning with Green Team Mini-Grants.

Any committed group of WI K-12 students can apply to receive a grant of $300-$700 for a project to reduce the carbon footprint of their school community. Student projects can focus on direct sustainability actions or provide seed funding for long-term efforts such as determining the feasibility of a renewable energy installation.

Students have until March 13 to share their project ideas with KEEP via email or an idea form.

KEEP staff work with student teams to assist with the design of a feasible project as they complete the application process.

For questions, please email Heather Phelps at heather.phelps@uwsp.edu.

In addition to being one of KEEP's key funding partners, Madison Gas and Electric works directly with educators in its service area to support energy education. This month MGE shares its Earth Day Resources and some of the additional ways its Energy Experts partner with KEEP and local educators.

Earth Day Resources for Kids

Check out MGE's online “Earth Day Every Day” Fun Book.

MGE publishes a digital Earth Day Every Day Fun Book each year. We call it "Earth Day Every Day" because every day is an opportunity to help create a cleaner future. MGE's Earth Day Every Day Fun Book includes activities and online information about how to use energy wisely and to live more sustainably. Visit mge.com/earthday for the digital Fun Book, energy education videos and more.

Connect with nature.

Ready to plan an outdoor learning experience this spring? Founded in 1995 by the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Nature Net is a network of area nature centers, museums, gardens and parks that offers environmental education in south-central Wisconsin. A calendar of upcoming events is available at naturenet.org.

Connect with nature.

In celebration of Earth Day, MGE Energy Experts are partnering with local educators to bring energy and environmental education to local students in the Madison area. But we’re also available throughout the school year! 

Are your students interested in energy? MGE Energy Experts are available in the Madison area to help — with presentations available in English, Spanish and Hmong on the following topics:

•  Energy efficiency and conservation
•  Electricity generation with a “feet-on” demonstration using MGE’s Pedal Power bike
•  Energy savings at home 
•  Parent workshops for managing household energy use, resources to help save energy and financial assistance, if needed
•  Renewable energy and MGE’s efforts to contribute to a more sustainable future

If you’re interested in learning more about or scheduling an Energy Expert presentation for your Madison-area classroom, please contact Mario Garcia Sierra at (608) 252-4742 or by email at eduservices@mge.com. More information about MGE’s community education program also is available at mge.com/schools.

Energy Educator of the Year: Nomination Deadline April 10!

Do you know an educator who champions energy education and efficiency efforts in your K-12 community?

Nominate them for the Energy Educator of the Year Award which recognizes and rewards exemplary educators who have made energy education a priority in their teaching and outreach initiatives. Awardees serve as role models and empower students, teachers and community members to adopt energy-saving behaviors and participate in energy solutions. 

Nominate yourself or others now through April 10, 2023.

Climate Generations Summer Institute: Registration now open!

KEEP has been selected as a Cohort Leader for Climate Generation’s Summer Institute for Climate Change Education. 

Regional cohort day on July 19 is led by KEEP and DPI educators.

KEEP is sponsoring a minimum of 20 Wisconsin K-12 educators to attend this virtual conference for free ($250 value). 

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The KEEP program is funded with generous support by Alliant Energy, Madison Gas and Electric, We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, WPPI Energy, and Xcel Energy. 

Published March 2023