As the green economy has moved to the center of the economic recovery in 2010 and environmental and social reponsibility awareness have increased, more and more students are looking for 'green' education.

Nowadays, about two-thirds of college applicants are interested in environmentally responsible schools and whether the campus is ‘green’. Prominence, location and vibrant social life are not the only criteria. Several higher education collges and universities in the US have a strong commitment to sustainability and have been working rigorously to reduce their environmental impact. Some of their initiatives are inspiring as the colleges go beyond recycling or using biodegradable tableware and utensils in the cafeterias, or retrofitting solar panels on roofs. Several have organic gardens, waste treatment centers, and programs to offset carbon emissions.

Based on the results of a survey by the Sierra Club (published last October), read more about the school's list Colleges go green-The top eco conscious schools in the US.

Image from flickr.com

The younger generation is inspired into environmental activism and entrepreneurship even earlier. At the fourth annual Tech Titans of Tomorrow: Teens Plugges In 2010 conference on April 23, 2010, several outstanding teenagers presented their initiatives. Intersecting technology and environmental activism, there were two teen entrepreneur environmenatl teams who have been changing one school at a time, through an eductional initiative of climate change curriculum and lifestyle behavior changes to 9th grade students, as well as, energy metering and management in school facilities, reducing costs and alleviating scarce school resources. Read about Menlo-Atherton High School (Menlo Park, CA) and Harker School (San Jose, CA) and their  green teams: Green teen entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

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One hesitancy those considering a career in solar panel installation might have is the huge number of "do-it-yourself" solar panel guides available for free or at a very low price on the Internet.  However, just as individual, do-it-yourself homebuilding will never eclipse commercial home construction, so do-it-yourself solar panels will never eclipse commercial solar panel installation. 

Why will DIY solar not eclipse commercial solar panels?  There are four simple reasons:... read more

You may ask yourself ‘When should I start planning my green calling?’

What about your child's?

It’s not too early to plan a Green career path, even in high school!

Parents and teens, you may want to explore a Green academy on the Peninsula, in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.

Woodside High School in Woodside, CA, a public high school in the Sequoia Union High School District, is planning to launch a new Green and Clean program in a new building on its campus.The Green Academy, a state initiative, will focus on green careers, particularly in alternative energy, water conservation, landscaping, and building.

The Green Academy is geared to high school students in the district who want to go to college and need a head start and/or to those who prefer to join the workforce. There will be many opportunities for hands-on learning, including outdoor projects and trips. The new building will be “self-sufficient” and environmentally-conscience demonstration. The program will offer personalized instruction in smaller groups.... read more

To become a certified PV installer, you must meet prerequisites of related experience and/or education. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), www.nabcep.org, lists the various requirements for solar PV installer certification. Certification is voluntary. To become NABCEP certified, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Meet prerequisites of related experience and/or education
• Sign a code of ethics and standards of practice
• Pass a written exam

An installer is certified for three years. To maintain this professional designation, you must meet continuing education requirements and install a specified number of systems per year.

According to NABCEP, "the certification program has been developed and designed carefully following professional credentialing guidelines. Standards, developed by experts in the field, have been set and the eligibility requirements to become certified are based on extensive input from installers and members of the solar industry."

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