NextEnergy, a non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate advanced-energy technologies through collaboration, today announced it hosted 26 high school juniors and seniors and faculty from the International Academy of Bloomfield Hills at a technical careers event.
The International Academy is part of the Bloomfield Hills public school system and is one of the state’s highest ranking schools, with admission based on a lottery system. The school’s technical careers program provides upper classmen a chance to interface with tech professionals to guide the students’ career choices in preparation for college entrance.
“We hope our support of secondary school programs helps turn on the ‘great idea light’ in young adults’ minds, ultimately contributing to the technically-trained workforce of the future,” says NextEnergy Public Policy Vice President Jean Redfield.
By way of illustration, the day’s events included a tour and presentation of NextEnergy’s DC lighting installation. “Our DC lighting installation was developed by our oldest and largest tenant, Nextek Power Systems,” notes NextEnergy Power Management & Utility Programs Director Max Dorflinger. “Direct-current electricity is an energy saver whose application is growing, yet the average consumer is unaware of this.” NextEnergy staff also gave presentations on advanced- energy technologies in electric vehicles; green and sustainable initiatives in areas such as public lighting, building efficiency, and Detroit and SE Michigan’s waste economy; and tips for entrepreneurs on pitching a new business.