January 28, 2019
K-State Engineering Extension enters into partnership with Enel Green Power North America
The Kansas Energy Program, administered through the Office of Engineering Extension at Kansas State University, recently entered into a partnership with Enel Green Power North America, or Enel, to provide wind energy education through KidWind Challenges and other educational activities for K-12 teachers in the state of Kansas.
For 2019, the Kansas Energy Program has planned four regional KidWind Challenges throughout the state — Burlington, Dodge City, Manhattan and Oakley — and one statewide event in Topeka. The KidWind Challenge is the ultimate wind energy learning experience for fourth- through 12th-grade students. The goal is for students to have fun building a device that converts moving wind into electricity while learning physics, engineering, environmental science and policy throughout the process. Participating students:
- Design, build and test a functional, creative wind turbine
- Compete with their peers in a supportive environment.
- Discover the promise and limitations of wind energy technology.
Enel, a leading owner and operator of renewable energy projects, currently has the largest installed wind capacity in the state of Kansas. For the Kansas Energy Program partnership, Enel has contributed $10,000 for the KidWind Challenges and other wind energy educational activities. Additionally, Enel will provide technical resources through its wind industry experts and can assist in wind energy education through tours and presentations at schools and other events.
"We are excited to receive this financial support from Enel," said David Carter, director of the Kansas Energy Program. "The funds will be used to help schools defray the cost to attend KidWind Challenges, which will allow more students to take part, and ultimately, bring interactive, hands-on wind energy education to a wider audience."
For more information about the KidWind Challenge, visit kansasenergyprogram.org/kidwindchallenge. Interested persons can also contact Carter at dcarter@k-state.edu or 785-532-4998.