New Energy Academy

Through the New Energy Academy, PG&E is investing in the energy workforce of the future by providing high school students with the skills necessary to compete for jobs in the energy industry. With charitable funding, PG&E created the Academy in partnership with the California Department of Education in 2010.

Five high schools in PG&E’s service area were selected as pilot sites: Berkeley High School (Berkeley); Edison High School (Fresno); Foothill High School (Sacramento); Independence High School (Bakersfield); and Venture Academy (Stockton).

The goal of the New Energy Academy is to provide participating students with an integrated academic and technical education focused on energy and the environment. Designed for students in grades 10 to 12, the three-year program creates a “school within a school” by offering a career theme. The program also promotes diversity and inclusion, helping to close the achievement gap among under-represented youth and the gender gap in certain professions.

Planning began in the 2009 academic year with curriculum development and teacher training. Educators selected to teach in the program then spent nearly one year evaluating, contributing and studying course content. In addition, the selected schools received grants and access to professional development workshops and industry experts.

In 2010, PG&E offered training for the teachers on a variety of energy issues to equip them with tools and tips to aid in their classroom instruction and outreach efforts. For example, teachers visited PG&E’s Livermore Training Center, where they deepened their knowledge about the utility industry.

Educators receive training from PG&E at the Livermore Training Center to equip them with tools and tips to aid in their classroom instruction and outreach efforts.

The academies welcomed more than 250 10th-grade students in the fall of 2010 and expect to add a new grade each year.

With a curriculum focused on career education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the students will take a major step to improve their academic performance, enhance their employability and become better informed consumers of energy.