D-51 using local power potential to jump start student careers

School District 51 is taking strides to become more energy efficient, and with that, it’s letting students get hands on education.

The idea is to take advantage of Mesa County’s power potential.  It’s doing that by putting up wind turbines and solar panels.

Students are helping to install the new equipment, cutting bills by a million dollars annually.

So instead of offering just the typical classes, District 51 is giving students a look at a prominent industry in Western Colorado.

District energy manager Eric Anderson, says, “What you'll see coming out of this kind of an effort is students leaving District 51 with hopefully a passion and an interest in renewable energy, engineering, you name it.”

District 51 says it'll continue to focus on renewable energy improvements for both old and new buildings.