Elizabeth School District Kicks Off Engineering Internship Program
In June 2023, the Elizabeth School District C-1 (Elizabeth, CO) Board of Education approved a contract with Schneider Electric to carry out more than $4.5 million in improvements to the Elizabeth School District. Improvements include a full retrofit LED lighting scope across each school, a full replacement of the district's building automation system, building infiltration upgrades, and several mechanical replacements that have been previously prioritized on Elizabeth's capital projects list. The initiative – called the Resource Energy Initiative (REI) – also features a groundbreaking internship program designed for students interested in careers in engineering.
Read on to learn more about the hands-on program:
Hands-on engineering learning opportunities
The new, integrative engineering program provides a unique opportunity for Elizabeth High School students to explore and learn about various career fields in engineering. Four new interns have recently joined the program, which is designed to prepare students for a career path in STEAM.
Students will also benefit from interacting with visiting experts who can provide them with useful information about post-graduation opportunities, different types of engineering paths, and college internships with Schneider Electric. With this program, the district is equipping students with the much-needed knowledge, skills, and exposure to thrive in the engineering industry.
An energy-efficient future awaits
Overall, the REI project is a bold and innovative approach to reducing energy consumption and waste in the district. The use of energy-saving guarantees and revenue-neutral loans means the district will take on little financial risk.
The benefits of this project also extend beyond energy savings by providing opportunities for students, teachers, and the broader community to learn about conservation and energy efficiency. The REI project is an excellent example of how school districts can use energy savings to improve educational outcomes while protecting the environment.