During the last Insight Newsletter, I mentioned some of the global energy challenges that lie ahead. I appreciate some of your comments and commitment to this enormous challenge, and I find it fascinating to envision what a “better energy future” would look like with respect to policy, infrastructure, technology and behavior. I feel that an important part of the solution approach is to get more strong talent into the energy industry.

Writing tonight from Hong Kong, I am excited to report on some progress that AEE has made with young people all over the world. This year, we will be offering a few hundred highly qualified students an opportunity to attend the World Energy Engineering Congress at no conference cost. “Highly qualified” means that they have a shown an academic and passionate focus on energy and environmental solutions. We introduced AEE to these remarkable students via other organizations and clubs (such as Engineers Without Borders, which has over 12,000 members and 180 student chapters in the USA alone). Until we made the introduction, most of these young people had literally no idea what AEE was! However, during their time researching the organization, many students commented that they see AEE as the perfect professional organization to enhance their career after they graduate.

In addition, we have worked with DOE’s Industrial Assessment Center Program to coordinate their future meetings to be in the same city as the WEEC, so that these students and faculty can cost-effectively participate in the WEEC. Finally, to further reach out to the best college talent, AEE is developing an educational video (specifically designed for students) that will show how the association can help young people facilitate a better energy future.

I expect that these young and passionate people will bring some fresh perspectives to the WEEC and AEE. I encourage you to welcome them and their ideas. If you would like to learn more or participate in the student events or want to share your ideas, feel free to email me at: eric@profitablegreensolutions.com and in the subject line say: “help students”.

Wishing you all well and hope to see you at an upcoming energy event!

-Eric

© Copyright 2003-2011 - The Association of Engineers - Managing Editor: Kate Feltgen - Email:Kate@aeecenter.org The AEE Energy Insight is Published by the Association of Energy Engineers | 4025 Pleasantdale Road - Suite 420 - Atlanta, Georgia 30340-4262 Phone: (770) 447-5083 - Fax: (770) 446-3969 - www.aeecenter.org

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