Lights for Learning TM Fundraising with a Conscience DCEO Peer Exchange Starved Rock May 4, 2009

Who is the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and what do we do?

MEEAs Mission MEEA is a collaborative network whose purpose is to advance energy efficiency to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.

MEEAs Role in the Midwest Designing and Evaluating Programs & RFPs Administering Programs Delivering Training & Workshops Developing Marketing and Outreach Advancing Energy Efficiency Policy Coordinating Utility Program Efforts Regional Voice for DOE/EPA & ENERGY STAR Evaluating & Promoting Emerging Technologies

MEEA & DCEO Partnerships Change a Light, Change the World –Retailer-based CFL incentives Building Operator Certification (BOC ® ) –Energy Efficiency Through Operator Training Energy Bike –CFL Teaching Tool And of course…

School-Based Fundraiser –Kids sell CFLs/LEDs (not candy) –School keeps 50% funds raised –DCEO, Ameren, and ComEd fund the program –Hybrid fundraising/educational program Lights for Learning TM

In-school presentations bring the energy efficiency message directly to our students

DCEOs Energy Bike helps turn an abstract concept into palpable understanding Lights for Learning TM

Fundraising is flexible in terms of duration and scope of involvement Student groups retain 50% of profits earned Lights for Learning TM

Resources are provided to educators to –Grade- and subject-appropriate lesson plans give educators supplemental assistance –Fun, informative activities help perpetuate the message –Monthly newsletter to all program participants keep students inspired the whole year round Lights for Learning TM

Fundraisers are provided with posters and other materials to help promote their cause Top performers are recognized through prize ceremonies and press releases We often see funds raised by student groups applied toward green initiatives at school Lights for Learning TM

How Are We Doing? Schools in Illinois have had great success with the Lights for Learning TM program! [L4L] provides a wonderful opportunity to establish life-long energy saving habits – something that will benefit everyone. - Peggy Chamness, formerly of DCEO

I felt the sale was environmentally friendly, fit well into the curriculum, invited questions, and motivated students to investigate answers. - Doug from Fulton County High School, Agricultural Center This is the perfect fundraiser - it's an item we all need, will use, helps the environment, reasonable and a great profit item for our school. - Janet from St. Mary's Metamora How Are We Doing?

Big Things Next Year… Expanded Online Presence Larger Product Offering Community Project Menu Energy-Saving in Schools Annual Navy Pier Event

Take-Aways Help Spread the Word! Behavioral Programs Are Valuable! Talk to the Kids!

Youtube Contest How Do You Shine Like an ENERGY STAR?

Class Dismissed! Chad Bulman Program Manager Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Lights4learning.org