Renewable and Clean Energy Association
The purpose of the RCEA is to promote advances in renewable and clean energy technology to interested Sam Houston State University students and members of the public. The goals are to promote the advances in renewable energy, educate the community about alternative sources of energy, empower individuals with information on professional development opportunities, and promote information on energy conservation practices.
Community outreach is a focus of RCEA. As such, in partnership with the ASEEN Program, the club travels to nearby Texas middle and high schools in order to educate students located in rural communities about renewable energy technology and potential college and career opportunities.
Additionally, at each meeting members learn about the different types of renewable energy and real world application of the technology as well as hear from industry professionals. There were also discussions about potential research projects and opportunities to serve the community by visiting schools.
Current information regarding the club can be seen here.
School Visits
Over the past year members of both ASEEN and RCEA traveled to local schools and spoke to groups of science and agriculture students with the intent to educate participants about renewable energy. Topics included alternative energy sources, energy conservation, college and career opportunities, and scholarship potential. The aim of the visits was to increase the interest in the sustainable energy market, but to also bring it to the next generation in hopes that some of those bright minds would pursue energy-related careers. This was done not only by holding school assemblies but also by getting the students involved in hands-on activities that would pique their interests.
School districts that received visits include Groesbeck ISD, Houston ISD, Hudson ISD, Jacksonville ISD, New Caney ISD, Somerset ISD, and Spring ISD. In total over 500 students were reached with many stating they had a newfound desire to learn more about the realm of energy studies.