Solar power provider SolarCity recently became
the newest partner of the Clean Technologies
& Sustainable Industries Early College High
School (Clean Tech ECHS), a state Pathways
in Technology Early College High School (NYS
P-TECH).
The program was developed by the Ballston
Spa Central School District in partnership with
Hudson Valley Community College and the New
York State Energy Research and Development
Authority (NYSERDA).
Officials said the Clean Tech ECHS will be a
part of the SolarCity Ambassador Program and
receive a $250 donation from SolarCity whenever
a customer installs a solar system with SolarCity
and mentions that they were referred by the
Clean Technologies & Sustainable Industries
ECHS program. As part of this partnership, there
is no limit to the number of donations that the
Clean Tech ECHS can receive by participating
in the Ambassador Program.
“We truly appreciate SolarCity’s commitment
and support as we continue to expand our Clean
Technologies Early College High School,” said Joseph
P. Dragone, superintendent of the Ballston
Spa Central School District. “The resources provided
by our business partners are instrumental
in sustaining our work as we continue to build
the pathway between high school, college and
jobs in related technology fields.”
In addition to the Ambassador Program, SolarCity participates in providing authentic audience
experiences for students. Students present solar
projects to solar industry professionals to receive
feedback and guidance on how to better improve
their projects and receive insight into the real
world feasibility of their projects.
“As our region continues to grow in a diversity
of industries, it is vital that our schools better
prepare students to become the skilled workforce
of tomorrow and are educated in a variety
of technologies and industries,” said Gary Ziele,
field energy consultant, SolarCity.
He added, “This program provides students
with vital skills required in any industry sector,
including communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving skills. I see the
value of this type of program in our region and
am happy that our Ambassador Program can help
support its growth.”
The Clean Technologies & Sustainable Industries
ECHS continues to leverage its relationship
with over 40 leaders in business and industry,
the New York State Education Department
(NYSED), Hudson Valley Community College,
and the Ballston Spa Partnership for Innovation
in Education Fund, a component fund of
the Community Foundation for the Greater
Capital Region, to provide sustained funding for
the program.
The program was also designated by Gov. Andrew
Cuomo as a state P-TECH school, providing
additional support as the program continues to
grow and serve more students from a regional
perspective.
SolarCity joins current industry leaders who
support the program, including Cisco, Global-
Foundries, TRC Solutions, Inc., CSArch, Gilbane
Building Co., Stewart’s Shops and SEFCU, to
name a few.
The Clean Tech ECHS has grown regionally
from originally serving 25 students in two school
districts in 2011, to now serving over 200 students
from across 21 school districts in eight counties.
Juniors and seniors in the program earn up to 24
college credits from Hudson Valley Community
College in this ECHS model that was established
in 2011. Students are now being enrolled at the
11th grade and 9th grade levels for the fall of
2015 as the program expands into four career
pathways including Clean Energy, Computer Science
& Information Systems, Nanotechnology/
Mechatronics and Entrepreneurship, Leadership
& Innovation.
For additional information, visit the Clean
Technologies & Sustainable Industries ECHS
website at www.bscsd.org/cleanTech.cfm or
contact Amber Mooney, coordinator of development,
Ballston Spa CSD, at 884-7195 ext. 1369 or
amooney@bscsd.org; or Gary Ziele, field energy
consultant, SolarCity at 727-2012 or gziele@solarcity.com.