Energy Education

Several of Kentucky’s state-supported universities and colleges have developed curricula to support Kentucky’s growing energy industry sector. Many of these programs are located within a community college or technical school and offer an associate degree or certificate. The degree or certificate provides the student with multiple energy career pathways as well as assists the individual in achieving their financial, educational and career objectives.

Trained environmental educators design, assist and implement energy and environmental programs in Kentucky's schools. The Office of Energy Policy supports several grant-funded projects  that foster excellence in energy and environmental learning. 

Kentucky's schools lead by example and create a learning environment that supports energy awareness and education. School leaders implement strategies to minimize energy use in schools, thus reducing costs and saving money. Through a statewide initiative between 2010 and 2018, public schools reduced energy consumption 25 percent, saving more than $225 million in avoided energy costs – money that remained in the general fund to support student learning. Kentucky also is among the top three states with the highest percentage of ENERGY STAR schools. In 2018, 450 school buildings earned the national symbol for superior energy efficiency, and that number continues to climb. For more information on energy efficiency in Kentucky’s public schools, contact the Kentucky Department of Education.