Wind Energy Leadership, Education, & Academic Development of New Orleans Program (WE LEAD-NOLA)

KidWind, in partnership with the BEACH at UNO and the City of New Orleans, is excited to launch the WE LEAD NOLA program.

This three-month program is focused on New Orleans high school educators to help them learn more about offshore wind energy and related career opportunities for their students. WE LEAD NOLA will accept no more than ten teachers from Orleans Parish schools as WE LEAD NOLA Associates and will provide training and materials to help educators bring offshore wind energy to life in their classrooms. Participants will also have access to regional offshore wind energy experts to explore the energy landscape of Louisiana, curricular materials, and a wide variety of support to help them find success in the classroom.

The program will culminate in the KidWind Offshore Wind Challenge on January 30, 2025, where WE LEAD associates will mentor a team of their high school students and build a floating offshore wind turbine. The Associate and students of the winning teams will be eligible for prizes and invitation to the 2025 World KidWind Challenge.

Program Requirements:

• November 14, 2024 6-8PM – Attend a Virtual Kickoff Training. 
• Early December – Attendance at an in-person KidWind training workshop in early December at the University of New Orleans. Dates to be determined based on Associates’ availability at the Kickoff Training.
• January 30, 2025 – Organizing and mentor of at least 1 team of students to attend the KidWind Offshore Wind Challenge on Thursday at the University of New Orleans.

WE LEAD Associates Will Receive:

• $1,000 stipend (paid in three installments) per teacher
• $500 materials budget per teacher to procure classroom resources
• Access to leading subject matter experts in the region, as well coaching from the KidWind Team
• The winning teams of the WE LEAD KidWind Challenge will be eligible for prizes and invitation to 2025 World KidWind Challenge

Applications close October 31, 2024.