Communities for Responsible Energy Environmental Demonstration (CREED), is a nonprofit organization in Minnesota committed to changing beliefs and behaviors through energy education. Andersen Corporation has been a proud sponsor for the last two years.
CREED programs examine the relationship of energy, the environment, and the economy in Minnesota, looking for ways to improve energy efficiency in a manner that harmonizes with the environment and produces a positive effect on the economy. Andersen’s support has allowed Minnesota teachers pursuing continuing education to earn graduate credit toward an Energy Education Certificate through Hamline University.
There are those who think, “How can I use this in real life?” Math students at Hibbing High School know the answer. After attending CREED’s course, mathematics teacher Ross Harvey implemented a program in which his students design, build and test windmills in calculus class. They use calculus they learned during class to prove the maximum amount of energy a windmill can extract from the air. CREED recipient David Olson, an industrial technology teacher from International Falls, also challenges his students to design energy efficiency elements as a part of their house planning projects.
Alice Rivard, a mathematics teacher at City Academy High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota is thankful for the sponsors of the program. “As society shifts from white and blue to green collar workers, our students need to be prepared to handle these new and exciting career paths,” she said. “Your commitment to help educate our youth in this area of alternative energy is sincerely appreciated.”
