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Sept. 10–The energy of the future calls for biofuels and new technology like solar panels, wind turbines and smart meters. How can local kids learn more about their future careers?

A $200,000 grant to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville for its “Gearing-up for Renewable Energy Jobs” program will help.

The money from the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for Improvement of Education will enable the Institute to buy a mobile demonstration unit equipped with the latest technology in energy generation and efficiency.

The mobile lab will be constructed over the winter and at the Institute by February, said Julie Brown, director for academic and outreach programs for the Institute. It will visit schools, neighborhoods and community events in the spring of next year.

Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th District, stopped by the Institute on Thursday to celebrate the funding that will help both students and teachers engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics — referred to in educator lingo as “STEM.” Perriello requested the appropriation for the program.

Skills and knowledge in STEM areas are crucial for the clean energy future, Perriello said. That’s where the jobs will be.

“I believe that we are on the cusp of a new energy boom and I want Southside Virginia to be a leader in this emerging sector,” Perriello said via news release. “We have the work force, the agricultural heritage and other unique assets that will allow us to be globally competitive for new energy jobs.”

Young people will need to have the knowledge to solve the country’s energy crisis, Brown said. Brown wants students to get familiar with the products and materials of the green industry, like switchgrass and photovoltaic panels. They could end up manufacturing solar panels in Virginia one day.

“They can’t envision a job if they haven’t been exposed to it,” Brown said.

The mobile lab will be equipped with solar panels, a wind turbine and biodiesel processing. Students can see how power is generated and stored in batteries. Additionally the lab will be set up to show the benefits of weatherization through energy efficient windows and allow kids to test for air leakage.

The “GreEn Jobs” program will also offer teacher training and a summer camp for local students. In the mobile lab, kids can connect via satellite to Institute researchers.

The funding and new green jobs program helps advance Perriello’s “New Energy Blueprint” to make Southern and Central Virginia a leader in new energy jobs, according to a news release.

Last week, Perriello and Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb announced the $735,000 grant for the Institute’s Institute for Sustainable and Renewable Resources to develop better switchgrass for bioenergy production. According to a news release from his office, Perriello previously helped secure nearly $1 million for ISRR program.

An additional $502,000 for ISRR has been approved by the House and waits Senate approval, the release continued.