LOS ANGELES (Business Wire EON) November 1, 2007 -- ENSR is providing environmental permitting and licensing support for four major solar energy projects in southern California. ENSR, part of AECOM, is a leading global environmental services firm.

We are very excited to provide our environmental permitting expertise for landmark renewable energy projects such as this. It's encouraging that more sustainable energy projects are being developed to meet rising demand.

To help secure the environmental permits for these important new energy projects, ENSR evaluated the projects’ potential environmental impacts on water resources, air quality, socioeconomic conditions, hazards, and scenic views. ENSR also managed extensive field surveys for impacts on plants, animal species and habitats, and on prehistoric and historic resources at the sites.

The solar projects, all located in Southern California, will utilize solar thermal technology to generate electrical power, via arrays of highly polished curved mirrors known as parabolic trough collectors. The new projects will use state-of-the-art versions of existing technology in use at nine solar power plants operating in the California desert for nearly 20 years.

Two of the four projects integrate solar power with the latest technology in natural gas-fired generation, making them the first hybrid power plants of this type in the world. Both projects, which will use reclaimed water from nearby wastewater treatment plants for power plant cooling, are being developed by Inland Energy, Inc. on behalf of the cities of Victorville and Palmdale, respectively. The third and fourth projects are pure solar thermal projects, and are expected to be among the largest solar thermal generating facilities in the world.

Dr. Paul Smokler, an ENSR vice president and regional business development director for the western United States commented, “We are very excited to provide our environmental permitting expertise for landmark renewable energy projects such as this. It’s encouraging that more sustainable energy projects are being developed to meet rising demand.”

ENSR’s work in California complements its work on other domestic solar projects. Recently, ENSR completed environmental consulting for the first and largest utility-scale solar photovoltaic array system in New England. The Brockton, MA project is the nation’s largest brightfield - a solar energy generating station located on a former brownfield site.

About ENSR

ENSR is a leading worldwide environmental firm serving industrial clients and government agencies with 2,500 employees from 90 global offices. ENSR provides comprehensive consulting, engineering, remediation, and environmental health and safety (EHS) management solutions. ENSR is the recipient of numerous industry, client EHS, business achievement and organizational innovation awards. For more information, please visit: www.ensr.aecom.com

About AECOM

AECOM (NYSE: ACM) is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental and energy. With more than 31,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation, and technical excellence in delivering solutions that enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural, and social environments. AECOM serves clients in more than 60 countries and has achieved annual revenue of more than $4 billion for the past 12 months. More information on AECOM and its services can be found at www.aecom.com.

        

Solar Industry Veterans Announce Launch of New Manufacturing Company

Seasoned industry executives join forces to launch Skypoint Solar, a company focused on thin film solar panel manufacturing and solar power generation.

Manchester Center, VT (PRWEB) June 12, 2008 -- Today the launch of Skypoint Solar, Inc. was announced, a large-scale, solar panel manufacturing company, whose business model includes the creation of solar power parks for utility-scale electricity generation. The Company was launched with seed capital from its founding management team, including senior executives from the thin film solar, semiconductor and high-tech manufacturing industries.

“Skypoint Solar has been created with the goal of quickly ramping up production of thin film solar modules,” stated John R.Tuttle, Ph.D., Skypoint’s CEO. “Our first US-based manufacturing facilities are being designed to produce approximately 120 Megawatts (MW) per year of solar modules. We will begin producing modules based upon proven amorphous / microcrystalline silicon technology (AMSi) and will also develop follow-on technology solutions targeting improved performance and lower costs. Additionally, we will be deploying our product in Skypoint-owned and operated solar power parks, both domestically and internationally.”

The Skypoint management team is comprised of experienced senior executives from the solar industry, whose combined expertise includes thin film solar photovoltaic (PV) development, manufacturing, and deployment, as well as public company management, operations and financing.

About Skypoint Solar, Inc.
Skypoint Solar, Inc. will be a major provider of renewable energy through the combined activities of large-scale solar module manufacturing and global solar energy park development and operations. Skypoint plans to be the first US-based manufacturing facility utilizing proven thin film photovoltaic technology, with the goal of capturing a significant portion of the emerging and expansive domestic renewable energy demand. For more information on the Company, please visit www.skypointsolar.com

For more information, contact:
Andrew Zelman
InfusionCapital
407-566-1090
drew @ infusioncapital.com

        

SAN MATEO, Calif. (Business Wire EON) October 25, 2007 -- Charles E. Johnson, Managing Director of Tano China Capital Management, Inc. (TCCMI), announced today the signing of a three-way strategic alliance between its affiliates China Solar Power (Holdings) Ltd. (CSP), Tano China Private Equity Fund II (TCPEF II) and ULVAC Inc. of Japan. The parties signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement in Chigasaki, Japan on October 17, 2007. With the establishment of this strategic alliance, CSP enters the thin film solar module market in China by partnering with ULVAC, a leading manufacturer of thin film solar cell production lines (2.2 billion Yen annual revenue).

Messrs. Charles E. Johnson and Frank Liu, co-founders and Managing Directors of CSP, and their delegation were hosted by Chairman Dr. Kyozu Nakamura, President and CEO Mr. Hidenori Suwa and senior executives of ULVAC.

Mr. Johnson stated at the signing ceremony:

“We are all very excited to have formed this strategic alliance. We have spent the last twelve months evaluating emerging thin film solar technologies, and believe that by partnering with ULVAC, a research and development oriented design and turnkey manufacturer with impeccable credentials, we will quickly be in position to realize our goal of becoming the leading manufacturer of thin film solar modules in China.”

Manny Krakaris, the co-founder of the project, added:

“After an exhaustive review of the PV market and various technologies for manufacturing solar panels, we are convinced that thin film technology will lead the industry’s push to make the cost of solar energy competitive with electricity rates generated from conventional sources. We are very impressed with ULVAC’s amorphous silicon manufacturing technology and are excited to be partnering with ULVAC to help make solar a significant component of the world’s energy mix.”

The goals of the strategic alliance are to both develop CSP into the leading manufacturer of thin film solar modules in China and to enhance ULVAC’s position as a leading provider of thin film photovoltaic (PV) production lines worldwide.

In the second phase of the collaboration, CSP intends to purchase a complete turnkey thin film PV fabrication plant from ULVAC. An extensive search of thin film technologies led CSP to conclude that the world is on the cusp of seeing large-scale, low cost thin film PV manufacturing becoming a profitable growth business. CSP chose this technology and equipment supplier due to ULVAC’s successful track record in the technologically-similar LCD manufacturing industry, and in the PV industry in Japan, where they are the dominant supplier of manufacturing equipment to the world’s largest PV module manufacturers.

CSP plans to build its first plant in Yantai, China to capitalize upon low manufacturing costs, among other benefits, and to establish a presence in what most industry observers expect will become the largest PV market in the world. CSP’s plant, relying upon tandem junction technology, will be among the first and largest of its kind in Asia. The project’s initial two manufacturing lines will initially have a rated annual capacity of 50 MW which is expected to be upgraded to 64 MW within a short time.

This technology’s reliance on abundant, low-cost raw materials, the equipment’s scalability and the manufacturing process’s high yield and reliability will enable CSP to quickly establish a strong position in the worldwide PV module market.

CSP was founded in 2007 as a subsidiary of Tano China Capital Management, Inc. TCCMI is a private equity investment management company focusing on Chinese companies and industries. It is jointly owned by Tano Capital, LLC (Mr. Charles E. Johnson of the U.S.) and an investment group headed by Mr. Chi-Jen Frank Liu of Taiwan.

        

Canadian Solar and EMCORE Corp. Picked by SmallCapInvestor.com as Leading Small Cap Stocks in Renewable Energy Sector

WASHINGTON (Business Wire EON) January 29, 2008 -- Leading small cap stocks news and research website SmallCapInvestor.com has released its top solar stocks—Canadian Solar (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and EMCORE Corp. (Nasdaq:EMKR). Both solar energy companies answer the call for clean, affordable, renewable energy sources and potential investment opportunities for individual investors.

With the price of oil continually in flux, and alternative and renewable energy sources becoming much more in demand and affordable, these two solar energy companies are poised for continual growth and have already shown their capability to rapidly increase in both business and revenue.

SmallCapInvestor.com features detailed analysis on Canadian Solar and EMCORE Corp., two solar energy companies that are outshining others in what appears to be otherwise a choppy market. To find out why these small cap stocks have boosted investor portfolios, read the Solar Energy Stocks Sector Watch analysis.

Says SmallCapInvestor.com Editor-in-Chief Bob Bogda, “With the price of oil continually in flux, and alternative and renewable energy sources becoming much more in demand and affordable, these two solar energy companies are poised for continual growth and have already shown their capability to rapidly increase in both business and revenue.”

Solar stocks are a brilliant alternative to hydrocarbon sources as they have immense growth on the horizon in an environmentally conscious world. Canadian Solar designs, develops, and manufactures solar modules for converting sunlight into electricity and is expanding its products and services parts to other countries as well. SmallCapInvestor.com’s leading investment guru Ian Wyatt said, “This solar energy company experienced a three-fold increase in 2007, earning $175.3 million. I predict that Canadian Solar will prove to be continually profitable for 2008 and beyond, not only because of its needed products, but because of the global demand that will keep fueling its business strength.”

Investors looking for ways to get in on the solar energy boom can get the details on Canadian Solar at http://www.smallcapinvestor.com/articles/investing_strategies/sector_w atch/01/23/2008/sector_watch_solar_energy_stocks/&?r=pr_013008. (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

Answering any investor’s concerns about solar stock shares prices as of recent, Goldman Sachs analyst Michael Molnar has been quoted saying that he is, “still quite positive on the solar-power industry because of firm product pricing and strong demand.” He reiterated the view that recession fears and not weaker industry fundamentals have weighed on solar stocks. He said solar economics are not directly affected by oil prices, but more so by power prices.

Molnar is not the only one who has a positive outlook on these solar energy companies. Wyatt likes the solar stock, EMCORE Corp., due to the elite solar products it provides for satellite and terrestrial solar power markets and its rapid return in fiscal year of 2007 which brought in $170.1 million and rose 18% from 2006.

More information and further details can be found on Canadian Solar and EMCORE Corp. in the Solar Energy Stocks Sector Watch article on the Small Cap Investor website, http://www.smallcapinvestor.com

About SmallCapInvestor.com

SmallCapInvestor.com is a destination website for individual investors who seek independent information on small cap and micro cap stocks. While major financial news and websites occasionally provide limited reporting on small cap stocks, their focus has always been on companies that are most popular with investors and the media, and not necessarily in the interest of individual investors looking for the market-beating opportunities presented by small cap stocks. SmallCapInvestor.com is the leading website dedicated to individual investors seeking information on small and micro capitalization stocks.

To view the SmallCapInvestor.com website, click http://www.smallcapinvestor.com/?r=pr_013008

        

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Business Wire EON) April 29, 2008 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named the City of Santa Clara a Green Power Community, making the City only one of 14 communities to receive such an honor. Santa Clara ranks as the second largest Green Power Community, both in terms of population and size of its green power commitment–57 million kilowatt-hours annually. Together, the 14 communities are protecting the environment by purchasing nearly 300 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually.

Santa Clara is known for its concern for the environment, so it is wonderful to receive national recognition for our ongoing commitment to renewable energy

“Santa Clara is known for its concern for the environment, so it is wonderful to receive national recognition for our ongoing commitment to renewable energy,” says Patricia Mahan, Mayor for the City of Santa Clara. “This is a true community effort spearheaded by our municipal utility, and supported by the thousands of individual residents and businesses participating in the Santa Clara Green Power program.” Santa Clara Green Power is a voluntary renewable energy program offered by Silicon Valley Power (SVP), the City of Santa Clara’s municipal electric utility.

Power of Green

What makes the Green Power Community status of great importance is that these individual renewable energy purchases by thousands of Santa Clara residents and more than 130 businesses are above and beyond the standard utility electricity mix, creating more demand for clean energy. While SVP already has one of the cleanest and greenest power mixes in the nation, its Santa Clara Green Power program allows customers to match 100 percent of their energy use with renewables. The Santa Clara community has achieved its new Green Power status by purchasing energy credits that have surpassed benchmarks established by the EPA.

“EPA applauds our community partners for protecting our environment by purchasing green power,” says EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “By voluntarily shifting to renewable energy, the community of Santa Clara, California, is proving you don’t need to wait for a signal in order to go green.”

Committing to More Than One Million kWh of Renewable Energy

It is fitting that the City of Santa Clara’s municipal government is leading the charge as a green power champion. The City recently committed to more than a million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy annually for all municipal facilities–more than one-quarter of the output of one large-scale wind turbine.

“We are excited that our City has made an additional commitment to green power totaling more than one million kilowatt-hours,” says Larry Owens, Division Manager, Marketing and Customer Services for SVP. “The City of Santa Clara, along with the thousands of others buying Santa Clara Green Power, is a great indication of leadership by example.”

The City is not alone in its leadership; there are eight major institutions in Santa Clara currently purchasing green power at levels ranging from two million to eight million kWh annually: Agilent Technologies, Applied Materials, Santa Clara University, Yahoo!, Westfield Valley Fair, Terremark, National Semiconductor and Marriott Santa Clara.

About Silicon Valley Power

Silicon Valley Power is the trademark adopted for use by the century-old Electric Department of the City of Santa Clara, California. SVP provides power to more than 50,000 customers, including Applied Materials, Intel, National Semiconductor and Yahoo!, at rates 25 to 45 percent below neighboring communities. SVP is an active participant in the wholesale energy markets in the Western United States.

About Santa Clara Green Power

Santa Clara Green Power is a voluntary renewable energy program offered by Silicon Valley Power to all of its residential, commercial and industrial customers as a way to support energy generated from 100 percent clean wind and solar power resources at a low additional cost of 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. Santa Clara utility customers can enroll in Santa Clara Green Power by signing up through the secure website at www.siliconvalleypower.com; sending an email that includes the customer's name, address, account and phone number to green@siliconvalleypower.com; or by calling (408) 244-SAVE (7283).

About the City of Santa Clara

Santa Clara is a family oriented and business friendly city in the center of Silicon Valley, located in Santa Clara County at the southern tip of San Francisco Bay, about 45 miles south of San Francisco. The City of Santa Clara is in a strategic regional location convenient to freeways, airports, railroads, expressways, light rail and other public transportation. “The Mission City,” as Santa Clara is known, was founded in 1852. It is now a community of about 114,200 residents with employment base of about 135,000. With 19.3 square miles of tree-lined neighborhoods, thriving commercial and industrial centers, and 300 days of sunshine each year, it is an ideal location for individuals, families, and businesses.

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This Father’s Day, remind Dad to follow power tool instructions for safety

DALLAS (Business Wire EON) June 9, 2008 -- Every year on Father’s Day, many children decide to give Dad just what gets his motor running — new power tools. It’s easy to forget that these tools use potentially dangerous (if not used correctly) electricity and moving parts. Oncor wants to remind everyone to follow safety rules when using that power tool for the first time and every time.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that 8 percent of accidental electrocutions in the United States each year are related to small appliances. Another 7 percent are attributed to power tools, and 4 percent are linked to lawn, garden and farming equipment.

Prior to using any power tool, new or old, the tool should be inspected to ensure that it has been certified by a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), CSA International or ITS. A tag or label placed somewhere on the tool should indicate this and will also let you know if the tool is intended for outdoor use.

Cords on power tools should be checked to ensure that they are in good condition. Cords with cracks, frays or exposed wiring and copper should not be used as they could start a fire.

When using power tools, remember:

• Never remove the safety guard or shields from electric-powered tools or appliances, like mowers and saws.
• Turn off and lock appliances when installing attachments such as mower baskets or saw blades.
• Always carry power tools by the handle, never by the cord. Instead, hold the tool by the insulated gripping surface to avoid electrical shock or damage to the tool.
• Never leave a power tool unattended, even temporarily. If there is a key, remove it. Put the tool where children cannot misuse it.
• Keep the power cord and extension cords out of way — not draped over a hedge or in the path of the mower, for example.
• Make sure extension cords are marked for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your tools.
• Wear safety goggles and other protection as recommended by the equipment or tool manufacturer. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts.
• Never trim trees within 10 feet of power lines. Power saws, drills, hedge trimmers or other power tools should never be used near electric lines.
• Be careful when using power tools on top of ladders — ladders should never be used within 10 feet of power lines to avoid electric shock or worse.

To find out more about Oncor’s Lifetime of Safety campaign, visit www.oncor.com/safety.

Oncor is a regulated electric distribution and transmission business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, providing power to 3 million electric delivery points over more than 102,000 miles of distribution and 14,000 miles of transmission lines. While Oncor is a subsidiary of Energy Future Holdings Corp., Oncor is a separate entity with a separate board that is comprised of a majority of independent directors.

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Ardour Solar Energy Index Adds Seven New Constituents - No Stocks Deleted

The Ardour Solar Energy Index (TICKER: SOLRX) will add seven new components, effective 6:00 PM (ET) Sunday, June 11. These additions raise the number of constituents in the index to 34.

New York (PRWEB) June 11, 2008 -- The Ardour Solar Energy Index (TICKER: SOLRX) will add seven new components, effective 6:00 PM (ET) Sunday, June 11. These additions raise the number of constituents in the index to 34. These changes result from the index’s quarterly rebalancing. Many of the new components qualified for the index based on share price appreciation or Initial Public Offerings, which allowed them to pass the minimum market capitalization selection criteria.

The Ardour Solar Energy Index is a modified capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index of the most prominent solar energy stocks in the world. Two of the seven additions are listed in the Americas and five in Europe.

To be included in the SOLRX index stocks must pass multiple screens, including for capitalization, float, exchange listing, share price and turnover.

The companies to be added are: Aleo Solar AG (AS1 GR); Day 4 Energy Inc. (DFE CN); PV Crystalox Solar plc (PVCS LN); Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG (CTN GR); Roth and Rau AG (R8R GY); Akeena Solar Inc. (AKNS US); and Renesola Ltd. (SOL US).

Detailed information, including constituent data, rules and price information, on the Ardour Solar Energy Index and other members of the AGI family of alternative energy indexes is available at www.ardourglobalindexes.com. Data is also available through most vendors of financial data.

Index: Ardour Solar Energy Index (USD)
Ticker: SOLRX

Index: Ardour Solar Energy Index (EUR)
Ticker: SOLRXE

        

Cell Phone Charger Energizes Batteries with Solar Power

Roland Kleinfeld, a jeweler and entrepreneur, has designed and developed The Ultimate Solar Charger, a cell phone charger that uses solar power to recharge dying batteries.

(PRWEB) September 15, 2005 -- Roland Kleinfeld, a jeweler and entrepreneur, has designed a cell phone charger that uses solar energy.

Kleinfeld was inspired for the solar powered cell phone charger while at a local fair on vacation in Shenzen, China. "I saw lots of garden light products and camping lights running on solar energy. At the same time, I was on my cell phone talking to an associate, when my cell phone battery died during a very important moment--dont they always? How ridiculous in this day and age to have a cell phone battery die on you with all the technology the world possesses!"

I saw lots of garden light products and camping lights running on solar energy. At the same time, I was on my cell phone talking to an associate, when my cell phone battery died during a very important moment--dont they always? How ridiculous in this day and age to have a cell phone battery die on you with all the technology the world possesses!

And so the Ultimate Solar Charger was born. Kleinfeld hired a staff of technical engineers in China to perfect the technology before they even designed the look of the solar powered cell phone charger.

The Ultimate Solar Charger fully recharges a cell phone battery, and can hold the charge for up to 14 days. Users can also talk on the cell phone while it is charging.

The solar cell phone charger is compatible with most cell phones, including:
     *   Over 30 Nokia models
     *   20 Ericsson models
     *   14 Motorola/Nextel models
     *   8 Seimens models

Specific cell phone charger compatibility is available at cell phone chargers and become more eco-friendly, visit cell phone charger.

About Roland Kleinfeld
Roland Kleinfeld spent most of his 52 years traveling all over the world in the Jewelry business. Feeling he needed a new challenge in life, Kleinfeld took a trip to China for 14 days several years ago. He went with the mindset that he wanted to find something – a niche of his own – to make for a better world. It was while in China that he began to imagine the first solar powered cell phone charger.

Search Engine Promotion of Press Releases by Xeal

        

New Wireless Security from A.R.E. and Sol-A-Ray

SUPERB Industries, Inc. and A.R.E. collaborate to develop Solar-Powered Keyless Entry for Tonneau Covers. Branded Sol-A-Ray, the wireless lock system requires no attached power wires.

Sugarcreek, Ohio (PRWEB) April 10, 2008 -- SUPERB Industries, Inc., the wireless energy expert, has collaborated with A.R.E., a major manufacturer of fiberglass tonneau covers, to introduce a solar-powered keyless entry system for A.R.E.'s LSX and LSII products.

Sol-A-Ray not only provides convenience for the truck owner, it also eliminates the costly and time-consuming task of running wire from the truck's power source for the aftermarket retailer.

Dubbed Sol-A-Ray, the system eliminates the challenge of running wires when installing a keyless locking system. The Sol-A-Ray system consists of three components: a low profile, solar power cell (less than .078 inch thick), a stylish, molded console and an ergonomic key fob. The solar power cell is a self-adhesive decal backed with an automotive-grade adhesive. The console houses an LED lighting system that fully illuminates the truck bed when the tonneau cover is raised. The console also serves as an enclosure for the wireless electronics and battery pack.

Highly efficient, Sol-A-Ray is adept at capturing the sun's energy at both off-angles and in low sunlight conditions. This reduces the amount of full-sun exposure needed to fully recharge the energy storage device. The Sol-A-Ray power cell is weatherproof and UV stable.

In making the announcement, John Miller, president of SUPERB Industries, noted, "Sol-A-Ray not only provides convenience for the truck owner, it also eliminates the costly and time-consuming task of running wire from the truck's power source for the aftermarket retailer."

Additional Applications
Sol-A-Ray has many potential applications in addition to keyless entry systems. It enables product designers to introduce solar power technology into virtually any product without compromising on design or consumer appeal.

It provides a reliable power source for many applications. These applications include outdoor sporting equipment, recreational vehicles, marine, aerospace and any application where wiring would create costly challenges for original equipment manufacturers or aftermarket installers.

Sol-A-Ray is also available to individual consumers looking for an efficient power source for hobby or sports applications.

About SUPERB Industries, Inc.
SUPERB Industries, Inc. (est. 1986) offers this unique solar technology as well as engineered metal and plastic components for the automotive, appliance, medical, security and communications industries. SUPERB serves Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, Jaguar, Mercedes, Frigidaire, GE, Whirlpool and other major vehicle and appliance manufacturers. Located in central Ohio, SUPERB is globally competitive supplying millions of parts to China, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

The company holds ISO9000 certification to the TS16949 standard and is focused on high volume production, regularly holding tolerances of +/- 0.001" in precision metal stamping and plastic injection molding. SUPERB also offers customers design and engineering expertise to see products through from napkin-sketch, to finished product. All this is accomplished utilizing the latest technologies to ensure efficiency, repeatability and the best overall product value.

For further information, contact SUPERB Industries, Inc., 330 Third Street NW, Sugarcreek, Ohio, 44681, 330-852-0500, visit www.superbindustries.com. For information specific to Sol-A-Ray, visit www.sol-a-ray.com.

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Solar-Powered Cars Drive Learners to Leaders™ Students One Step Closer to College

Students Race Solar-Energy Cars Built as Part of ISU's Science Bound Program During Ceremony Celebrating Advancement to High School

Denison, Iowa (PRWEB) May 15, 2008 -- Not too long ago, 10 eighth grade students from Denison Middle School couldn't have imagined that they would be designing, building and racing solar-powered cars as a class project.

We have always been firm believers in giving back to our communities, and we can think of no better way than to help these Denison students benefit from Iowa State's nationally acclaimed Science Bound program

But that's exactly what they accomplished during the current school year, and in the process they have successfully completed the first leg of their journey as they prepare to someday enter college and earn degrees. Now, the Denison students are about to begin the next crucial step.

The eighth graders are participating in Smithfield Foods' Learners to LeadersTM educational initiative and Iowa State University's (ISU) Science Bound program. As part of the Learners to Leaders/Science Bound curriculum, the students have been taking classes and engaged in projects that will prepare them to pursue science- or mathematics-related college degrees.

The students and their parents attended a dinner Tuesday night at Denison High School marking completion of the middle-school portion of their studies and honoring them for advancing on to the Learners to Leaders/Science Bound program at Denison High School next fall.

To help celebrate the occasion Tuesday night, the eighth graders put on a demonstration of solar-powered mini-cars they created during the past school year. Competing teams of students took disassembled cars, quickly put them back together and then raced the cars for a prize.
The team of Juan Meza, Carlos Valasquez and Andres Casteneda won the competition when their solar car covered 18 feet in 4.4 seconds. For their efforts, Meza, Valasquez and Casteneda each won a Learners to Leaders pen and notepad set.

"This program has been a fantastic opportunity for my students, largely because they're learning by doing, which is the best way to learn," said Collette Huntley, science teacher at Denison Middle School. Huntley and Kathy Jones are the two teachers assigned to the Learners to Leaders/Science Bound students.

"The dinner gave us a chance to kick back, congratulate the students for what they've accomplished so far, thank their parents for providing much-needed support and remind the kids that with a lot more hard work their goal is within reach," Huntley said.

She pointed to the solar-powered car as an example of what the students are capable of accomplishing when they apply their talents to lessons learned in the classroom. The car involved a fairly complex design. Made of plastic, each car is about six inches square and includes a miniature motor and solar panel the size of a small calculator, which the class received from Iowa State Extension Service.

"It has been a trial-and-error process, and the students have had a lot of fun designing and redesigning the solar car based on lessons they learned from building two other cars," Huntley said. "They made their own decisions during the design process, and they did a far better job of designing the car than I could have done."

"This has been such a wonderful experience for my students, and we're so grateful to Smithfield Foods and Iowa State University for making it possible," Huntley said. "Many of these students are from low-income families, and we've had parents thank us and thank us again for giving their kids the opportunity to get as much education as they can."
   
Smithfield Foods' Learners to Leaders program in Denison is a partnership that includes Farmland Foods, Inc., a Smithfield Foods independent operating company; the Denison Community School District; and Iowa State University's Science Bound program. Learners to Leaders is providing learning opportunities to students who may not otherwise have the chance to attend college due to academic, economic or social challenges. Participants include first-generation college-bound students, as well as low-income and minority students.

With funding from the nonprofit Smithfield-Luter Foundation, Denison students will participate in the Science Bound program through 2012. The program's focus is to equip students during their high school years to successfully earn science-related college degrees.

"The goal of the Learners to Leaders/Science Bound alliance is to help reinforce what we believe is the most critical part of any community's foundation, the education of its residents," said Christine Eppstein, director of community affairs at Smithfield Foods.

"We have always been firm believers in giving back to our communities, and we can think of no better way than to help these Denison students benefit from Iowa State's nationally acclaimed Science Bound program," Eppstein said. "The goal is to expose them to a wide range of career possibilities in science, mathematics and technical fields."

Smithfield Foods is a global food company with operations in 13 countries through wholly-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures. Headquartered in Smithfield, Va., the company produces more than 50 brands of pork, beef and turkey products and more than 200 gourmet foods. Employing more than 57,000 people across the globe, Smithfield Foods is the world's largest producer and processor of pork and a leader in turkey processing, cattle feeding and beef processing.

http://www.learnerstoleaders.com