Program Description
We support renewable energy technology development as part of a long-term strategy for providing low-cost, environmentally sound energy options to our customers. To further this objective, the 2008 Renewable Energy Scholarship Program provides grants to individuals to attend a renewable energy conference. Eligible participants include:
- Faculty members in good standing at secondary schools, colleges, technical colleges and universities located within We Energies’ electric service territory.
- Full-time staff members of non-profit organizations engaged in activities directly related to the renewable energy industry, such as education and/or policy development, where such activities have a direct impact within We Energies’ electric service territory.
- Private industry representatives whose companies are located within We Energies’ electric service territory, whose companies are engaged in the development or manufacturing of a renewable energy product or technology, and/or whose companies are actively pursuing on-site installation of a renewable energy generating facility. Applicants must be full-time employees in good standing and directly engaged in renewable energy related activities.
Seven conferences meet program requirements. In addition, an eighth option is offered where applicants may choose a renewable energy conference that best suits their needs, provided the conference meets program requirements. Each applicant may only apply for one conference per program year.
- Renewable Energy Summit, Milwaukee, Wis., March 12–14, 2008
The Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit at the Midwest Airlines Center is “Green Jobs – Growing Wisconsin’s Economy,” focusing on the role that wind power, solar energy, geothermal, green buildings and bio-energy technologies plays in supporting Wisconsin’s economic well being. Renewable energy business growth will create new “green collar” jobs in Wisconsin, including manufacturers, installers, consultants, engineers and associated professions. Renewable energy in Wisconsin has the potential to produce 35,000 jobs in the next 10 years.
Note: An exception will be made to the application requirements for this conference because it is local. Applications need not include a Letter of Reference or Letter of Commitment.
- International Renewable Energy Conference, Albany, N.Y., March 18-20, 2008
This conference at the Hudson Valley Community College (outside of Albany) focuses on instructional strategies, curricula development and related training and market trends. More than 40 speakers will participate in the program’s 16 sessions. Six technical workshops will be offered prior to the conference on March 18.
- SOLAR 2008, San Diego, Calif., May 3–8, 2008
Brought to you by the American Solar Energy Society, SOLAR 2008 is the premier technical conference for solar energy and energy efficiency professionals in the U.S. This industry-leading conference series offers emerging trends, technological breakthroughs, industry insights and connections.
- Windpower 2008 Houston, Texas, June 1–4, 2008
The conference includes more than 300 speakers, 150 poster presentations and 50 sessions on leading wind energy topics organized into policy, business and technical tracks.
- Midwest Renewable Energy Fair, Custer, Wis., June 20–22, 2008
Held at the ReNew the Earth Institute, 7558 Deer Road in Custer, the fair features hundreds of workshops and exhibits, all emphasizing clean energy and sustainable living, and is fun for the whole family.
- North American Association for Environmental Education, Wichita, Kan., Oct. 15-18, 2008
This conference explores critical environmental education issues and topics. Attendance at the Energy Education session is required to participate in this scholarship program.
- Solar Power 2008 San Diego, Calif., Oct. 13–16, 2008
America’s largest solar energy event, features 400 exhibitors, 125 speakers and networking opportunities.
- Renewable Energy for Educators Carbondale, Colo., June 23-26, 2008
Solar Energy International offers hands-on education to youth educators to learn about the impact of energy use and how to teach students about energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy. Each day includes a hands-on element that can be used in the classroom. In addition, participants gain practical and technical knowledge they can apply in their own lives.
- Wisconsin Association of Environmental Educators, Milwaukee, Wis.,
Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2008
This conference investigates how educators can make a positive impact in an urban environment. Educational strands include: sustainable cities (water, energy, transportation, building issues), urban outdoor explorations, bringing the classroom to life and environmental justice.
- Renewable Energy Conference of Your Choice
Under this option, the applicant may suggest a renewable energy conference of their choice. The conference requirements are:
- Conference must be held in 2008 at a location within the lower 48 states.
- Primary topic(s) of the conference must be directly related to the renewable energy industry and directly related to the applicant’s respective area of endeavor(s).
The 2008 Renewable Energy Scholarship Program is intended to offer an opportunity to gain information to further renewable energy endeavors. For educators, the intent is that attendance will help to further develop renewable energy curriculum and faculty research. For individuals employed at non-profit or private organizations, the intent is to help encourage continued development of renewable energy programs, technologies, products, personnel and projects.
Awards in this annual capped program are made based on eligibility and highest level of suitability. Grants are issued only to applicants demonstrating the highest level of enthusiasm, suitability and usefulness of information gained. Applicants that are awarded grants are limited to one award in the 2008 program year. Each grant provides:
- Full conference registration.
- Cash stipend to cover direct expenses such as travel, lodging and food. The stipend is a set amount and based on estimated travel and lodging expenses that vary by location.
- In addition to the above compensation, an additional provision will be offered to full time teachers who require the services of a substitute teacher in order to attend a conference. Compensation will be provided directly to the teacher's place of employment for a certified substitute in the amount of $80 per day. A federal tax ID number for the school, school contact and school address will be required for payment and should be included in your application.
Application Process
Contents
Scholarship applications must include the following contents in this order:
- Narrative essay
The essay should be a maximum of 700 words and must clearly state why you are an ideal candidate for this scholarship program. Specifically describe the conference you want to attend, why this conference is suitable for your particular area of interest or expertise in the renewable energy industry, and the ongoing benefits that will be derived from your attendance. Emphasis should be placed on describing tangible benefits, such as enhanced curriculum development, staff training for more effective communication, and/or data gathering for renewable energy product or project development.
- Curriculum vitae, one page
Application shall include curriculum vitae (one page) for each applicant.
- Letter of reference
A letter of reference must be included from your direct supervisor or administrator indicating that you are a full-time employee or faculty member in good standing, and providing support for your attendance at the conference, as well as for sharing the knowledge gained upon your return from the conference.
- Letter of commitment
A letter of commitment signed by both the applicant and the applicant’s supervisor or administrator must be included in your application. This letter must state that it is your intent to participate fully in the conference, including attendance and active involvement in sessions throughout each day of the conference and for the entire duration of the conference.
- Scholarship request
An itemized scholarship request must be included to document the conference:
- Title
- Location
- Date
- Registration fee and deadline
- Mailing address (to submit registration fee)
Based on this information, a standard stipend for travel, lodging and food will be added to approved scholarship grants.
Submission
Applications must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month, two months prior to the conference date. Applications are reviewed on the 15th of each month or next business day. Applications received after the 15th of each month will not be reviewed until the following month, so plan accordingly based on the conference dates.
Example: If an applicant is interested in attending the Wind Power Conference June 1–4, the application should be received at We Energies no later than April 15.
Exceptions will be made for applicants to attend March conferences, as the January deadline has already passed.
The total number of scholarships granted depends on the level of interest in the program and the cost of each conference. Scholarships will continue to be granted until the allocated budget is expended.
Keep in mind that conferences fill up quickly, and the stipend for expenses is a standard rate. Typically, booking flights several months in advance results in better fares, thus applicants are encouraged to submit applications as far in advance as possible to achieve the best possible air fares and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Applications can be submitted electronically to:
Teresa.Eggleson@we-energies.com
Hard copy applications can be sent to:
We Energies
2008 Renewable Energy Scholarship Program
c/o Terri Eggleson – P318
231 W. Michigan Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Notification and Disbursement of Awards
All eligible applicants are considered, and all scholarships are granted on an equal opportunity basis. One week following the monthly application review, letters and/or e-mails are sent to applicants, indicating whether a scholarship has been awarded and, if successful, the scholarship amount. Conference registration fees are paid directly to respective conference organizers by We Energies for each approved applicant. Following documentation of travel plans and lodging arrangements, the cash stipend is issued to the scholarship recipient no later than two weeks prior to travel.
Submittal of Receipts
Following conference attendance, it is the responsibility of the scholarship recipient to submit conference and travel expense receipts to We Energies. This action is necessary to document for IRS purposes that scholarship funds were used for the intended purpose (food, lodging and transportation), and not considered taxable compensation to the scholarship recipient. This information may be submitted by letter to the following address with copies of receipts attached. If We Energies does not receive the appropriate documentation by Dec. 31, 2008, a Form 1099-MISC will be issued to the scholarship recipient for the entire amount of scholarship dollars received.
We Energies
2008 Renewable Energy Scholarship Program
c/o Terri Eggleson – P318
231 W. Michigan Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Questions?
Contact Teresa.Eggleson@we-energies.com
