Schools Add Green Energy Classes Despite Federal Cuts

Students in Greenville, South Carolina are building drip irrigation systems and studying hydropower plants in a brand new classroom dedicated entirely to renewable energy. It's part of a growing movement in schools nationwide to prepare teens for a workplace transformed by climate change.

The trend is taking off in both blue and red states, driven by practical needs rather than politics. Industries are embracing clean energy technology to stay competitive globally and reduce costs, making these skills increasingly valuable in the job market.

At Greenville's Innovation Center, 11th grader Beckett Morrison tends to baby carrots and romaine lettuce sprouting from the irrigation system he and his classmates built. "It's an extremely important thing to study, especially now with all the new technology coming," he said.

Delaware is leading the charge with an ambitious plan to weave environmental lessons into every career education course, from carpentry to teacher training. The state's director of career and technical education, Jon Wickert, explained that accountants need to understand energy reduction and carpenters should know the health impact of construction materials.

The approach makes sense for Delaware, which sits just above sea level and could lose 10 percent of its land to rising oceans by 2100. "Every job is a green job," said Denise Purnell-Cuff, who helped develop the statewide plan.

There's another powerful force driving these programs: the students themselves. Many young people have experienced severe hurricanes, heat waves and other extreme weather firsthand, and they're looking for ways to make a difference.

"They want to make sure the world is safe and clean for foreseeable generations," said Dan Hinderliter of Advance CTE, which represents career and technical education leaders.

The timing is right for these skills. Clean energy jobs are growing faster than the rest of the U.S. economy, and by 2030, two-thirds of cars sold globally are expected to be electric.

Schools initially received federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to launch these programs, but much of that money was canceled last year. Now districts are finding creative ways to keep the momentum going, driven by community needs and student demand.

The Ripple Effect: These programs are doing more than teaching technical skills. Students are learning to think about environmental impact across all industries, from healthcare to construction. A building manager who understands energy efficiency can cut costs while helping the planet. A teacher who grasps sustainability can inspire the next generation of problem solvers. By giving every student some grounding in environmental thinking, schools are creating a workforce ready to tackle challenges in smarter, more connected ways.

Communities are betting on green career education not because of mandates, but because the future demands it and their students are ready to lead.