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Leading tuition-free online public school starts new school year with strong parent satisfaction and expanded College and Career Readiness offering

Englewood, Colo.  – As students across the state head back to school, so are those who prefer logging into their classes with Colorado Connections Academy. This tuition-free online public school serving students in grades K-12 from across the state, recently welcomed new and returning students to the virtual classroom for the 2025-26 school year.

This year, students in grades 6-12 can benefit from an expanded College and Career Readiness offering. The school will integrate traditional academic subjects with industry-leading, career-focused options like IT, business, health sciences, and marketing, helping students develop durable skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. Students can participate in career exploration and industry networking opportunities to build confidence, make connections and find direction to prepare for their future.

“Colorado Connections Academy is more than just a school, it’s a community. It’s a place where you can find unparalleled support from our incredible teachers and exemplary staff who care about helping everyone thrive. Not only academically, but as a person,” said Bryan Hill, Executive Director of Colorado Connections Academy schools. “Our school model offers engaging instruction and meaningful collaboration.”

Students return to school as results from the 2025 Parent Satisfaction Survey, an annual third-party survey that provides families with the opportunity to review their experience with Colorado Connections Academy, show continued high levels of approval from families:

• 98% of parents say their child is satisfied learning at Colorado Connections Academy
• 96% of parents agree the Colorado Connections Academy program gives them more opportunity to be more involved with their child’s education
• 95% of parents believe their child is receiving a quality education with Colorado Connections Academy
• 95% of parents feel their children are making progress on their academic goals with Connections Academy  

Colorado Connections Academy offers a comprehensive virtual school experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school’s team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establish meaningful connections with students helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents and caregivers are involved in the learning journey as their child’s Learning Coach, serving as their mentor and guide through the school day. 

  Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students, including those who are academically advanced or struggle in a traditional school setting, as well as those who may be experiencing health challenges, bullying, or living in rural areas. Others are athletes or performers who require a flexible learning schedule. 

Siblings Aimee and Aaron Wild train full-time as elite halfpipe snowboarders while completing their studies through Colorado Connections Academy. The school’s flexible schedule enables them to compete internationally and stay on track academically. Both have earned top finishes on the NorAm and Rev Tour circuits, with Aaron also competing on the World Cup circuit for Team Great Britain.

“Colorado Connections Academy has helped me prepare for my snowboarding goals of winning at an elite level by giving me the flexibility of when I complete my schoolwork. It has also prepared me for my future at college,” said Aimee, a 9th grader with Colorado Connections Academy. 

Aimee recently won the NorAm Cup and earned two wins and two silver medals at Rev Tour events. Aaron qualified for finals in three out of four Rev Tour events, reached the podium at Mammoth Mountain, and competed at the World Cup level. He hopes to qualify for the X Games and the Olympics in 2030.

“I have a solid relationship with my teachers. They are all very responsive and helpful,” added Aaron, who will be an 11th grader this year. “I love my electives and I feel like I’m learning things I can apply to real life.”

Enrollment is currently open for the 2025-26  school year. Families interested in Colorado Connections Academy schools are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions, and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their students. To learn more about the school or begin enrollment, please visit www.ColoradoConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.

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About Colorado Connections Academy

Colorado Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for students in grades K-12. Colorado Connections Academy creates a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.ColoradoConnectionsAcademy.com.

Survey Methodology  

Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2025 survey was conducted from January 15 to February 26 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online.

Full-time, tuition-free online public schools welcome students in grades K-12 from across the state back to the virtual classroom

Englewood, Colo. (August 12, 2024) – It's the time of year when students are returning to school for the 2024-2025 school year. That includes students who don't step foot in a physical classroom, but log into school on their computers with Colorado Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students statewide. Colorado Connections Academy students in grades K-12 from across the state kicked off the school year on August 12, 2024, with a supportive community of fellow students, families and state-certified teachers. 

“I have found that being in the virtual environment allows our teachers, staff and administrators to form meaningful connections with students and families. The ability to provide truly individualized instruction and support sets our school apart,” said Amy Davis, Colorado Connections Academy’s Secondary Principal. “We are thrilled to begin the new school year, and I truly believe that an education at our school sets students up for a bright and successful future with a personalized education experience and the ability to have access to courses they might not be able to take at their local brick-and-mortar school,” she added. 

Colorado Connections Academy is committed to providing a high-quality education that is personalized to meet each student’s individual needs. Using accessible technology, Colorado Connections Academy connects parents, teachers, and students to the virtual classroom from home or anywhere there is an internet connection. Families also benefit from the flexibility of creating their own schedule and ensuring their student’s learning environment is a safe, stimulating atmosphere. 

Most recently, parents at Colorado Connections Academy had an opportunity to review their experience in an annual third-party survey, the 2024 Parent Satisfaction Survey. According to the 2024 Parent Satisfaction Survey results:

• 96% of parents say their child is satisfied learning at Colorado Connections Academy
• 92% of parents would recommend Colorado Connections Academy 

• 96% of parents agree their child's teachers at Colorado Connections Academy are supportive 
• 94% of parents believe their child is making good progress with Colorado Connections Academy

Colorado Connections Academy serves nearly 3,000 students in grades K-12 across the state. Colorado Connections Academy’s state-certified teachers work hard to foster meaningful connections by providing individualized student attention and a positive, engaging learning environment. Students have regular opportunities to share ideas, compare experiences, and have fun learning with their peers through online classroom sessions. 

“I like the ability to work ahead, and it’s nice that I can work from home and have ways to pace my own learning. It’s nice that I can work ahead and have the rest of my time to focus on everything else. At my previous school, I could barely find the time to do everything I wanted to do,” said Joshua Nageli, an 11th grader for the 2024-25 school year. Joshua has been with Colorado Connections Academy since he was in the 5th grade. 

Joshua’s dream is to become an astronaut, and he is well on his way to becoming one. He secured an internship with the Colorado Space Business Roundtable (CSBR), which exposed him to the space industry, allowing him to connect with industry professionals. Joshua is also part of a robotics team called Team Komodo, and they are currently working on a music-themed robot that shoots notes into amps and speakers.

When it comes to back-to-school advice, Joshua notes, “Focus on time management. Being on a computer, you can easily get distracted. Make sure you limit distractions; that helps a lot. Ask teachers for help.”

Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students. Colorado Connections Academy students are diverse and come from different backgrounds and educational histories. Some students are academically advanced and struggle in a traditional school setting, while some prefer to learn at their own pace. Other students may be experiencing health challenges or bullying, while others are athletes or performers who require a flexible learning schedule.

Enrollment is currently open for the 2024-25 school year. Families interested in Colorado Connections Academy schools are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions, and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their students. To learn more about the school or begin enrollment, please visit www.ColoradoConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.

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About Colorado Connections Academy

Colorado Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for students in grades K-12. Colorado Connections Academy creates a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.ColoradoConnectionsAcademy.com.

Survey Methodology  

Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2024 survey was conducted from January 15 to February 26 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online.

At Friends of Coal Creek, we are big believers in the power of art to connect hearts to places. And so, in collaboration with the Lafayette Art’s Council, we are proud to announce a Young Poets Competition. The theme is Transitions and entrants are asked to find inspiration in the areas of Coal Creek where one type of land, ideas or themes meets another.

The submission window is open now through February 15, 2025, and is open to all middle- and high school students who live or attend school within the Coal Creek communities (Lafayette, Erie, Louisville, Superior and Golden).

The contest has cash prizes for first ($100), second ($50), and third ($30) place winners in four categories:

• High school - Spanish

• High school - English

• Middle school - Spanish

• Middle school - English.

ZBassSpeaks, Lafayette’s poet laureate, is our esteemed judge.

“It is with great honor that I get to be part of this project, and even more so that I will get to hear from a new generation of writers,” ZBassSpeaks says. “I look forward to hearing your voices transcribed in my favorite art form. Your participation gives me great confidence that I will be blown away by your unique styles and views of our world. I encourage you to bring everything to the table and I implore you to be as expressive as you feel necessary. Good luck!”

Prizes will be awarded at an event at the Lafayette Public Library in April, 2025, which is National Poetry Month.

See here for full submission guidelines. If you know a talented middle- or high-schooler who has a way with words, please send them our way and help us share and celebrate the ways our young poets see our creek.

Friends of Coal Creek is a local nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the habitat value and improving the resilience of Coal Creek and the communities along its run.

NEWS RELEASE                                                                                                      April 18, 2022

CONTACTS:        Valerie Lunka (720-379-4630)
                             Debbie Jones (303-868-1804)

DENVER – Among the many organizations providing assistance to families impacted by the Marshall and Middle Fork Fires last December, Clothes To Kids of Denver may be one of the best kept secrets. Now the nonprofit is taking steps to increase awareness of its services among those who need it most and to make those services even more accessible to the fire’s survivors.

Since its founding in 2008, Clothes To Kids has provided more than 82,000 school wardrobes to students from low-income or in-crisis families, free of charge. While the nonprofit originally served only Denver County residents, it has since expanded to cover 28 school districts throughout the entire 11-county Denver metro area, including Boulder County. Students must be ages 3 – 21 and enrolled in preschool – 12^th grade, or working toward a GED.

“All students whose families suffered losses in the Boulder County fires are eligible to receive free school wardrobes from Clothes To Kids,” says the organization’s executive director Valerie Lunka, “and no referral or proof of eligibility is currently required. We hope that schools, faith communities and all those providing assistance to fire victims will help spread the word about the valuable resource we offer kids in their communities.”

Central to the Clothes To Kids mission is its clothing boutique, located in Denver’s University Hills neighborhood at 2890 South Colorado Boulevard. Here, families find a pleasant and dignified shopping experience, complete with assistance from volunteer “personal shoppers” who help the students select from new and quality used clothing. Each student may choose five outfits, a coat or jacket, a pair of shoes, a bra (optional) and five pairs each of new underwear and socks. Extra items, such as pajamas, belts, hats, jewelry, winter accessories, school supplies, books and toys, may also be available. Students may receive one free wardrobe every four months.

“A lack of appropriate and fashionable clothing can make it difficult for kids to fit in with their peers and feel comfortable at school,” Lunka explains. “We make sure the students we serve have the clothing they need to feel confident and prepared to thrive.”

While most families are asked to call the Clothes To Kids boutique in advance to make shopping appointments, the nonprofit is providing drop-in service for families impacted by the fires in Boulder County. These families may shop for student wardrobes without appointments on Tuesdays through Saturdays, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, through the end of May. For additional information, visit https://clothestokidsdenver.org/ or call 720-379-4630.

DENVER INJURY LAW, LLC

201 Columbine St., Ste. 150 #6888

Denver, CO 80206

Ph. 303-840-2222 (M-F, 9a-6p). 720-507-8773 (after hours)

Denver,  Colorado.  Colorado’s Top Personal Injury Law Firm® trial lawyer James Avery has filed a civil cause of action for sexual misconduct against a minor under the newly enacted Colorado law (SB021-088, CRS 13-20-1202) governing Sexual Misconduct Against Minors in in Arapahoe County District Court, Centennial, Colorado (Case No. 2022cv30065) on behalf of Angelica Saupe (a retired Colorado 911 dispatcher) against Aurora Public Schools and David James O'Neill Jr (a former Rangeview High School basketball/softball coach, Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, and campus monitor). 

Plaintiff Angelica Saupe, age 35, claims that she was sexually abused as a minor (ages 14-17) for years (2000-2004) by Defendant David James O'Neill Jr., age 64, person in a position of trust as her basketball coach, at Aurora Public School’s Rangeview High School.  O'Neill, then age 43, was not reported and not charged at the time of the offense. Saupe complained to law enforcement in 2007, at age 20, and was told charges would not be filed.  Saupe has never been contacted by Aurora Public Schools, although she believes the School District was contacted by Aurora Police at the time of her complaint.

The newly enacted law (SB021-088), effective Jan 1, 2022, creates a new cause of action effectively setting aside time limits in cases going back to 1960. Victims have 3 years (until Jan. 1, 2025) to file previously time barred claims the new law.

The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of damages.  Damages under the new law, C.R.S. 13-20-1201, are capped at Five Hundred Thousand or One Million Dollars depending on the facts of the case. 

Denver trial lawyer James Avery comment on the new law:  "This is an unprecedented opportunity for justice where it is truly needed.  I have turned away dozens of clients who were sexually abused as children but who didn't come forward in time to file a case.  This new law gives them a remedy, albeit a limited one.  These victims invariably suffer for a lifetime and the abuse effects their families, their jobs, their social relationships, virtually every aspect of their lives.  To have this new tool in the arsenal to help them is a big step forward for society at large.   For the defendants in these heinous cases, its a day of reckoning.". This is one of five new case filings by Denver Injury Law LLC under the new Act.

DENVER INJURY LAW, LLC

201 Columbine St., Ste. 150 #6888

Denver, CO 80206

Ph. 303-840-2222 (M-F, 9a-6p). 720-507-8773 (after hours)

Denver,  Colorado.  Colorado’s Top Personal Injury Law Firm® trial lawyer James Avery has filed a civil cause of action for sexual misconduct against a minor under the newly enacted Colorado law (SB021-088, CRS 13-20-1202) governing Sexual Misconduct Against Minors in Arapahoe County District Court-Centennial, Colorado (Case No. 2022cv30137) on behalf of Cydny Norris (a former student at Smoky Hill (Aurora, CO) High School) againstCherry Creek School District and Perry Weisman, Sandy Smith, and Anton Durall Kaempfer  (all former Smoky Hill High School counselors or teachers).

Plaintiff Cydny Norris, age 59, claims that she was groomed beginning in 1975 at Campus Middle School, age 12 and sexually abused as a minor (ages 14-17) for years (1977 to 1980) by Defendant Anton Durall Kaempfer, age 31, a person in a position of trust as her guidance counselor, at Cherry Creek Schools' Smoky Hill High School.  Kaempfer, an adult, now age 77, was not reported and not charged at the time of the offense, although Norris alleges other counselors and teachers were aware of the misconduct.  Norris complained to law enforcement in 2015 and Boulder Sheriff Office refused to take a complaint.  Norris has never been informed of any investigation by Cherry Creek School District, although she believes the misconduct was reported to the School District by a whistle blower in 1993.

The newly enacted law (SB021-088), effective Jan 1, 2022, creates a new cause of action effectively setting aside time limits in cases going back to 1960. Victims have 3 years (until Jan. 1, 2025) to file previously time barred claims the new law.

The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of damages.  Damages under the new law, C.R.S. 13-20-1201, are capped at Five Hundred Thousand or One Million Dollars depending on the facts of the case. 

Denver trial lawyer James Avery comment on the new law:  "This is an unprecedented opportunity for justice where it is truly needed.  I have turned away dozens of clients who were sexually abused as children but who didn't come forward in time to file a case.  This new law gives them a remedy, albeit a limited one.  These victims invariably suffer for a lifetime and the abuse effects their families, their jobs, their social relationships, virtually every aspect of their lives.  To have this new tool in the arsenal to help them is a big step forward for society at large.   For the defendants in these heinous cases, its a day of reckoning." This is the fifth case filed by Avery under the new law. [end]

Local teen in the spotlight for her fight against bullying is being bullied behind-the-scenes.

Maya Claridge, a freshman at Legacy High School, is no stranger to bullying.  She was bullied for over two years in middle school and says it was the “darkest and loneliest time” of her life.  With the hope of helping other kids who are experiencing bullying, Claridge began the Bullied to Bold tour, traveling to schools and youth related organizations throughout Colorado, sharing her story and message of hope.  “I don’t want anyone to feel alone,” Claridge says.  “I want them to know that they can overcome being bullied.”

Her message is one of inspiration, hope and strength as she encourages kids to put down their fear, put down the shame and rise above the pain.

Ironically, in the midst of the Bullied to Bold tour, Claridge is experiencing cyber-bullying from several teenage girls whom she has never met.  “These girls have targeted Maya via Instagram and have posted numerous negative comments about her, mainly making fun of how she looks,” said Beverly Brenner, management and booking agent for the Bullied to Bold tour. 

Claridge appears un-phased by the cyber-bullying attacks against her, stating, “I’ve dealt with bullies before and I refuse to give them the power to hurt me.”

Determined to continue reaching out to others with a message of kindness, Claridge does not respond to the negative comments she receives via social media.   “They can say what they want to say about me but they’re mean words aren’t going to change who I am or what I’m doing,” Claridge says.

Claridge will appear on Colorado & Company (9News) on January 22, 2016 to promote the Bullied to Bold tour and her song entitled, PUT IT DOWN, which was written specifically for the tour and produced by Billboard award-winning producer, Marc Williams at Indasoul Records.

For booking information please visit www.BulliedToBold.com

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Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, today announced that it will be sponsoring the Green Jobs Showcase at the upcoming Green Schools National Conference.

The second annual conference, to be held February 27-29 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, will bring together K-12 leaders and educators from around the country. Attendees will learn new ways to make schools and districts green and healthy centers of academic excellence. The conference is positioned as the centerpiece of a national movement sending a strong, clear message that green is the future of our schools.

The conference features a landmark appearance by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on February 28 where he will discuss the newly established U. S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools Program. The conference will be the most comprehensive resource for schools hoping to become a Green Ribbon School in 2012. 

The Green Jobs Showcase is an opportunity for 20-30 companies to illustrate their green practices, describe current and future careers, and explain why sustainability-focused education is important to industry.

“Students learning in an environmentally focused culture will inevitably want to choose career paths that allow them to continue their commitment to helping the planet,” says Jim McGrath, director of the Green Schools National Network, conference sponsor. “This showcase will allow conferees to get a glimpse of the green jobs of the future, sought-after careers that will be critically important to our health and the health of the planet in the decades to come.”

Green Jobs Showcase

Date/Time:                                          

February 28, 2012 – 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

February 29, 2012 – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where:                                                  

Colorado Convention Center

Rooms 201-203-205-207

Cost:                                            

Green Jobs Showcase Only – No Charge

“Ecotech is passionate about supporting the education industry’s movement to embrace sustainability in its facilities, curriculum and shaping students’ view of the world,” adds Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “We are pleased to play a role in building a bridge between schools and the marketplace.”

Companies interested in participating in the Green Jobs Showcase can contact Kim Stromire at Kimberly.stromire@ecotechinstitute.com or 303-586-5290 Ext. 4647. Entries will be accepted until next week.

To register as an attendee, please visit http://www.greenschoolsnationalconference.org/register_now.php.

For general conference or registration questions, please e-mail greeninfo@nationalgreenschools.org or call 1-800-280-6218 between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Pacific Coast Time.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online at www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.  The next round of classes begins in April and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, announced today that its January quarter kicked off with 100 new students, the largest start to date.  With total current enrollment at 473 students, Ecotech witnessed a student population increase of almost 400 percent in just one year.

Ecotech Institute started classes in a temporary facility in June 2010 as it completed an overhaul of an existing vacant building.  In January 2011, Ecotech’s 119 students began attending school in its LEED gold-certified campus in Aurora, Colorado.   Since then, the facility’s offerings, faculty and student enrollment have continually experienced growth and improvement.

This June, the first graduating class of 39 students is expected to receive their degrees and in December 2012, another 50 students are expected to graduate.  Of these students, the most popular degrees include Wind Energy Technology, Renewable Energy Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology.

“We knew we had something special when Ecotech opened its doors, and it’s inspiring to see increasingly more students come from across the country to pursue a degree that can truly make a difference in the world,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute.  “With our first group of graduates in June, we can’t wait to see where they go and to hear their stories of success.  This is definitely going to be a big year for us.”

Today, 90 percent of Ecotech’s students are men and 77 percent of the students are from Colorado.  However, every day more and more students are moving from other states to pursue a degree at Ecotech, with students from 37 states and Puerto Rico currently represented.  The top states from which Ecotech students have relocated include California, New Jersey, Wyoming, Illinois and Texas.

With the growth in students comes a growth in faculty as well.  When Ecotech first opened, the school had one program director and two instructors. Ecotech now has three program directors and 24 instructors who teach in 11 hands-on learning labs.  Ecotech’s holistic teaching approach gives students a chance to learn first-hand about the technology they will use in the field of their future career.  At Ecotech, students also learn soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), math and science basics and technology skills.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online at www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.  The next round of classes begins in April and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Where will green technology take us in 2012? Ecotech Institute is keeping a close eye on that very big question. We are constantly monitoring cleantech industry growth and innovation, and looking for ways to align our environmental sustainabilitycurriculum with employer and marketplace demands. Every day we read up on the latest research regarding solar power, wind energy, smart grid and other relevant industries. We want to make sure our students are up to speed when they graduate so their employers truly get the best, most knowledgeable employees.

In 2011, cleantech ventureinvestment had an incredible year. As a result of financial backing, we saw an infusion of green start-up companies, new jobs and a growing belief in the future of cleantech industries. However, the challenges of this relatively new space also came to light as some companies met very public criticism.

As the president of Ecotech Institute, it’s my job to take a hard look at opportunities in cleantech now and into the future. Our career services team needs to accurately predict where Ecotech graduates will be able to make a living and make a difference in the world. Frankly, there is a lot of enthusiasm as we enter 2012 with a promising outlook about environmental sustainability’s growing role in the world.

This is a very exciting year for Ecotech because we will graduate our first group of students in June. As we continue to prepare them for the workforce this year, we are collectively interested in what industry leaders are predicting.

Here are some predictions of note:

1. According to a December 28, 2011 article by Michael Kanellos on www.greenbiz.com, “Renewables will start to win over the jobs argument.”

He states, “The 2012 Presidential election will be only about one thing: jobs. In the energy and sustainability context, the debate boils down to whether you think more jobs can be created through pipelines and offshore drilling or through erecting solar farms and retrofitting buildings.”

“But here is where renewables win: they don't take years….Many fossil projects, meanwhile, are bogged down in land use hearings….If renewables get results quicker, they become the better solution.”

My takeaway: Green jobs will continue to grow and companies need educated people to fill them.

2. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) says this year is going to be a big year for wind power, both in the field and in policy. The association notes that unlike the volatile prices of fossil fuels, wind power has a fixed fuel cost of zero, making it a very appealing form of energy. However, Congress needs to act quickly to protect the future of wind energyin the U.S. If lawmakers do not extend the Production Tax Credit that is due to expire at the end of this year, taxes on wind will go up and jobs could go overseas.

My takeaway: Wind energy will continue to grow this year, however Congress needs to take action to make sure that growth continues in 2013 and beyond. Please contact your lawmakers to let them know the importance of extending the Production Tax Credit.

3. According to predictions from www.EnvironmentalLeader.com, solar innovation will serve as a perennial driver.

“Investment into good old solar innovation and projects is still strong, and has remained so for years, while other clean technologies have risen and fallen in and out of investment fashion.”

My takeaway: As money continues to be filtered into solar power innovation, we must keep a close eye on how these technologies will be built and maintained.

4. Jesse Berst with gigaom.com listed top predictions based on his takeaways from a webinar offered by renowned research firm IDC. He stated the following, “Smart buildings will become important to utilities. 25 states have energy efficiency standards or targets. Smart buildings can help meet such goals. The building energy analytics market will double between 2012 and 2015, jumping from $193 billion to $402 billion.”

My takeaway: The growth of smart buildings requires savvy energy efficiency experts.

5. In “10 solar trends to watch for in 2012,” Ucilia Wang, another contributor to gigaom.com, discusses solar energy’s impact on the grid. The article states that, “The increase in solar energygeneration has nudged utilities and electric grid regulators to give more thought and investment to the impact of solar in their mission to deliver electricity reliably.”

“Since solar production can ebb and surge depending on the time of the day and the weather, new technologies and policies are cropping up to monitor solar energy production and minimize interruptions of power delivery.”

My takeaway: The marketplace needs educated professionals who understand the interplay between solar technology and the current energy grid system.

The green landscape will continue to shift and it is important to watch, learn and prepare future leaders. The excitement of clean technology innovation in 2012 and beyond ought to be celebrated by everyone who has a stake in making our world a better place to work, play and live.

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in clean technology and sustainability, will hold its first graduation on Thursday, June 21, 2012. Forty-two students will receive their associate’s degrees, which prepares them for a career in the clean technology industry. The graduates will receive degrees in the following areas: Wind Energy Technology, Solar Energy Technology, Renewable Energy Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology.  Former Governor Bill Ritter, who currently serves as the Director of the Colorado State University Center for the New Energy Economy, will deliver the commencement speech at the graduation.

"As Governor, I was proud when Ecotech Institute chose Colorado as the place to locate the country's first private technical institute devoted solely to preparing the workforce for the clean energy economy,” said Bill Ritter, Former Colorado Governor and current Director of the Colorado State University Center for the New Energy Economy.  “It is a privilege to play a role in Ecotech's first commencement, and to see the efforts of the staff and faculty come to fruition."

Students in this first graduating class began classes in a temporary facility in June 2010 as Ecotech completed an overhaul of an existing vacant building. In January 2011, they moved to the current LEED gold-certified campus in Aurora, Colorado. Today, Ecotech has more than 500 students and continues to grow.

“This initial group of students are visionaries, as they signed up for classes before they were able to see the beautiful campus and cutting-edge labs,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “Now, a variety of clean tech companies are offering them excellent positions and their forward-thinking commitment is paying off. We applaud each of them and look forward to watching their success.”

At Ecotech all students develop soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), and math and science basics and technology skills, but the educational emphasis is on hands-on, practical training.  Ecotech’s prestigious national board of advisors, who all work in clean tech industries, helped design the school’s curriculum, providing coursework that reflects what the students will experience upon graduation. For a demographic breakdown of this first graduating class, please visit http://www.ecotechinstitute.com/pdf/ecotech-graduate-information.pdf.  

“Ecotech is producing well-prepared graduates that are highly sought in industries such as ours,” said Jesse Masters, Recruiter from M-I SWACO, a Schlumberger Company. “Its curriculum and practical labs offer complete training that makes new employees ready to hit the ground running. We were very impressed with the interviews we conducted with students from this graduating class and are excited to have several of these graduates join our team.”

Ecotech’s campus is LEED-gold certified and supports a commitment to sustainable living. The school generates approximately 5-10 percent of its energy from on-site clean, renewable energy sources such as rooftop wind turbines, solar panels, integral thin solar technologies embedded into the glass of the building canopy, and solar trees.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers five highly practical associate’s degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online at www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.  The next round of classes begins in July and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Spring is the time of year when high school students are gearing up to make decisions about the future, weighing their options for education, careers and personal growth. Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on renewable energy and sustainability, recently hosted more than 200 high school visitors and invites all guidance and career counselors, educators, high school students and families to come take a specialized tour. During the visit, participants can see the brand new LEED-certified campus, step foot into state-of-the-art labs, and deepen their knowledge about careers in the renewable energy sector.

“We are thrilled when young adults come to discover more about the promising future of green careers and the comprehensive education that Ecotech offers,” said Kolby Chase, Ecotech Institute’s director of admissions. “Young folks who want to help sustain our planet and are looking to walk the talk really enjoy learning about areas such as wind, solar and energy efficiency.”

Ecotech’s curriculum addresses both job-specific technical training and soft skills (e.g. communication and work ethic) through comprehensive coursework and lab time. The campus has seven computer labs, nine clean energy labs and 11 lecture classrooms, including labs that focus on electricity, electronics, solar, wind and safety, as well as one outdoor solar residence lab. All labs offer progressive equipment to facilitate practical learning of basic and advanced electronics, the fundamentals and applications of wind and solar power generation and safety skills.  Electricity, electronics, power, solar and hydraulics labs contain Lab-Volt® systems.

A campus tour of Ecotech can be as formal or informal as necessary, depending on a group’s needs. To set up a visit of any size, call Kolby Chase at 877-326-5576.

Ecotech Institute will have its first graduating class in June 2012. Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online at www.ecotechinstitute.com/or call 877-326-5576.  The next round of classes begins in April and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

I recently came across a fantastic report published by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. The report evaluates Colorado’s energy industry in two subclusters: (1) fossil fuels and (2) cleantech, which includes companies that use renewable energy sources and materials such as solar, wind, biomass and green transportation. 

Of course, as president of Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely dedicated to renewable energy and sustainable design, I was thrilled with the cleantech statistics in the state we call home. 

Because the report is so robust, this recap is truly an opportunity to call out data and facts that illustrate why Colorado is a hub for cleantech activity, where thousands of jobs and a promising future in the green landscape exist.  It’s great to see that government funding, public policy and private industry are all supporting Colorado’s growth as a leader in the cleantech space.

Below I have highlighted some great statistics and have pulled bulleted information verbatim from the report.  To download the full report to get more details on the bright future of the Colorado cleantech industry, visit: http://www.metrodenver.org/industries-companies/industries/energy.html.

JOBS

Colorado is a leader in the cleantech subcluster and has seen a large jump in the number of related jobs.  In fact, while cleantech jobs increased nationally by about 10 percent in the last five years, that number soared to more than 30 percent in Colorado.  Much of that growth was in wind and solar energy companies. 

Key findings:

§  The cleantech subcluster directly employed about 19,420 people in Colorado in 2010.

§  With nearly 54,100 energy workers in approximately 3,570 companies in 2010, the state continues to position itself as a hub of energy industry activity in both the fossil fuels and cleantech sectors.

§  About 1,600 cleantech companies operated in Colorado in 2010.

§  The number of Colorado cleantech companies increased 9.6 percent between 2005 and 2010, compared with 4.2 percent growth nationally.

§  According to Headwaters Economics, the number of cleantech jobs in Colorado increased 30 percent from 1995 to 2007, or about 17,000 jobs. The study cited more than $796 million in venture capital investments that bolstered Colorado’s green economy between 1999 and 2008.

NEW COMPANIES

In 2010, more than a dozen companies chose Colorado as the place to develop new wind and solar projects.  According to a study by professors at Arizona State University, Colorado ranked as the second-most attractive location for businesses hoping to export solar power. When it comes to wind, Colorado is one of six states that generate more than five percent of total electricity from wind, according to the American Wind Energy Association.

Some of the wind company announcements in 2010 include:

§  Vestas Technology R&D located a research and development center in Louisville. The new center focuses on improving wind turbine efficiency and reducing energy costs and will employ engineers, scientists, and support staff.           

§  New York-based American Zephyr Corp. relocated its distribution, sales, and support center to Louisville. Within the next few years, the company plans to manufacture all of its wind turbine parts locally, rather than importing its parts from outside the U.S.

§  Broomfield-based Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Americas unveiled plans for a windpower complex in eastern Colorado. Located in Lincoln and Elbert Counties, the Cedar Point Wind Project will be the second-largest wind farm in the state and will use Vestas wind turbines for the project. The finished project should generate enough energy to power 68,000 homes.

§  Vestas will expand its U.S. presence when it opens its second blade factory in Brighton in 2011. The Windsor blade factory opened in March 2008, followed by the nacelle factory in Brighton and the world’s largest tower factory in Pueblo in 2010. Combined, the four manufacturing facilities, which are located on three campuses in Brighton, Windsor, and Pueblo, represent an investment of about $1 billion in the state since 2007. The company plans to double its workforce in the next year to fulfill turbine order demands and expand annual production capacity. In addition, Vestas announced a $2.5 million, 80-acre expansion to the company’s Windsor manufacturing facility that will serve as storage space for wind blades.

Some of the solar company new announcements in 2010 include:

§  SMA Solar Technology AG, the largest solar inverter manufacturer in the world, was named “Deal of the Year” award winner in 2010 by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. The Germany-based company was recognized for its significant economic impact to the region through capital investment and job creation. In 2010, the company hired 200 workers at its northeast Denver plant and could add up to 500 more positions by the end of 2011.

§  North Carolina-based power company Cogentrix Energy LLC plans to build the world’s largest concentrated photovoltaic power plant north of Alamosa. The 225-acre power facility will utilize lens-based technology that could power up to 6,500 homes.

§  SkyFuel, Inc. relocated its corporate headquarters from Albuquerque to Arvada. The company’s parabolic solar power collector research and development center is already located in Jefferson County and the company cited its proximity to National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Colorado’s growing cleantech environment as key factors in their location decision.

§  California-based SunPower Corp. and Colorado Springs Utility are building a 6-MW solar Power facility at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The 30-acre project is slated for completion by 2011.

FUNDING

Colorado continues to be a hub for energy-related venture capital and ranks as one of the top five states in terms of capital generated for energy-related projects.

§  Through 2010, federal stimulus support designated more than $768 million to Colorado for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including funding for energy tax incentives for individuals and businesses in Colorado through the State Energy Program.

§  The combination of Colorado’s Renewable Energy Standard of 30 percent by 2020 and production tax credits demonstrates Colorado’s commitment to renewable energy technology development and research. Former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter unveiled the Governor’s Energy Office Revolving Loan Program and the Green Colorado Credit Reserve Program, both stimulus-funded loan programs aimed at renewable energy companies and companies making renewable energy improvements to their buildings.

§  The Governor’s Energy Office program has a $13 million budget, $12 million of which will go towards large renewable energy companies that have struggled to obtain bank loans and $1 million of which will be used to support energy efficiency projects for small businesses.

RESEARCH

Colorado is becoming a leader in the cleantech space not only through the companies doing business in Colorado and the jobs created, but also through the research that is being done.

§  Legislation passed in 2007 created the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory, a partnership among the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU-Boulder), the Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, and NREL. The Collaboratory conducts world-class research through its six research centers. The centers develop new energy technologies and help transfer them to the private sector.

§  Colorado is one of only five states to have initiated an industry association dedicated entirely to cleantech—the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA). Formed in 2008, CCIA provides data and research, develops statewide and federal policy initiatives, partners with industry and research institutions, and provides education and training to the cleantech sector.

§  Golden-based NREL is the DOE’s only laboratory dedicated to renewable energy efficiency research and development across 12 research areas including advanced vehicles and fuels, concentrating solar power, biomass, and buildings research. In 2010, NREL began construction on its Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIP) devoted to renewable energy technologies and their integration into existing energy infrastructure. The $135 million project will house office space, laboratories, and a state-of-the-art data center for up to 250 NREL researchers and support staff. In addition, NREL is planning a 137,000 square-foot addition to support the laboratory’s newly completed research complex. Federal stimulus funds will pay for the $39 million project slated for completion in 2012 and will incorporate numerous energy efficiency advances in the facility designed to accommodate 500 NREL workers.

COLORADO’S RESOURCES

Colorado is recognized for its natural resources as well, with its climate and geography playing a large part in what the state offers.

§  Wind Power—Colorado ranked ninth in the nation for total installed wind power capacity and 11th in potential wind power capacity in 2009. (American Wind Energy Association, 2010)

§  Biomass—Colorado expanded biomass resources to include dead and dying lodgepole pines, municipal solid waste, and biosolids derived from wastewater treatments that can qualify under the higher RES goal of 30 percent by 2020. This points to Colorado’s ability to harness existing and potential biomass resources in the state. Colorado could produce an estimated 2.6 million dry tons of biomass for energy each year. (Governor’s Energy Office, 2010)

§  Solar Energy—Colorado had the sixth-highest installed solar generation capacity, with the majority of capacity generated in southwest Colorado. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has classified the southwest Colorado region a high potential solar resource area that could satisfy about half of the state’s peak power demand. (SNL Financial, 2010; Interstate Renewable Energy Council, 2010)

§  Water—Colorado is at the headwaters of five major U.S. rivers. The state produced nearly 2,040 megawatt hours (MWh) of hydroelectric power in 2009. Estimates from the Governor's Energy Office suggest that almost two million MWh of hydroelectric power could be developed across the state. (U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration, 2010; Governor's Energy Office, 2010)

§  Colorado ranked 14th in the nation in 2008 for the percent of electricity generated from renewable sources. (U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration, 2010)

As you can see, these findings are incredibly encouraging for Colorado and for our nation.  As we continue to look for the best ways to run our economy, businesses and homes, renewable energy will be at the forefront.  It’s not longer just for the “hippie culture” as more and more average Americans and businesses are embracing renewable energy and the benefits it offers.  At Ecotech, we’re proud to be a part of this energy revolution and we pride ourselves in being the first school entirely focused on creating an educated workforce that understands the intricacies of what it takes to work in the cleantech industry.  To learn more about Ecotech Institute visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, today announced that it has assembled a who’s who of diverse industry leaders to serve as its Local Board of Advisors.   Ecotech already boasts a phenomenal National Board of Advisors that continue to be instrumental in shaping curriculum that matches what employers want.  

The local board will interface with Ecotech in a variety of ways, such as speaking to students and providing job training input.  In addition, the members will help students as they look for jobs and provide informational interviews so students can learn more about the green landscape from people currently working in the space.

“Ecotech is proud to be affiliated with such an impressive group of individuals and their support is invaluable to our students and staff,” said Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute.  “We focus on preparing students for life-long careers from the moment they enroll, and our partnerships with approachable, informed leaders is a critical element to that initiative.”

Ecotech’s Local Board of Advisors includes:

• Jennifer Beach, Owner-Manager, Starfire Energy LLC
• Tim Cahalin, Senior Recruitment Consultant/Senior Account Executive/Editor, Energy Central
• Scott Charter, Managing Partner, GGP Energy
• Paul Czarnecki, Member, Colorado Association of Manufacturing and Technology
• Maury Dobbie, Assistant Director, Colorado State University Center for the New Energy Economy
• Greg Foster, Operations Engineer, Williams Production RMT
• Jeff Hanko, President, Metal Finishing Systems and Advanced Industrial Technology
• Roark Lanning, Turbine Engineering Manager, RES Americas
• Vance Nixon, Manager, Technical Resources, Clipper Windpower, LLC
• Justin Pentelute, CEO, Syndicated Solar, Inc.
• Matt Pevarnik, Account Executive, Alstom Power
• Marietta Silva, Corporate Partnership Manager, Veterans Green Jobs

“It is critical that students have access to industry professionals during their training and Ecotech includes this element as part of their practical education,” said Jennifer Beach, Owner and Manager of Starfire Energy LLC.  “I look forward to providing guidance to help ensure that students graduate with a skill set that business owners will be seeking.”

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us at www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 1-877-326-5576.   The next round of classes begins in January 2012 and applications are being accepted now.  Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Multiple sources have named Ecotech a military friendly school, including Military Times Edge, which named Ecotech Institute one of the best schools for veterans: http://militarytimesedge.com/projects/best-for-veterans/best-colleges-for-veterans/2011/2-year/. 

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainable design, is hosting a free green jobs breakfast on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.  The breakfast will be at Ecotech’s campus, located at 1400 South Abilene in Aurora, and the event is open to the public. The prestigious, nationally based Ecotech Institute board of advisors, who collaborated on its one-of-a-kind, hands-on curriculum, will make up the panel.  To attend the event, please RSVP at www.ecotechinstitute.com.

The breakfast will focus on jobs in the cleantech sector and the need for a well-trained pool of employees.  Ecotech Institute’s esteemed board of advisors will talk with current and potential students, as well as those interested in the industry, about the wide breadth of careers available in current and emerging cleantech fields.   The panel members will address skill sets, education, the green landscape in 2011 and where our country is headed in the cleantech space. 

The event is open to the public and members of the media are welcome to attend.

WHAT:                                    Ecotech Green Jobs Breakfast  

WHEN:                                    Thursday, April 28, 2011

TIME:                                       9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

LOCATION:                              1400 South Abilene, Aurora, CO

MODERATOR:                         Dr. Abbas Ghassemi, Professor, Chemical Engineering, Executive Director, Institute for Energy & Environment and Executive Director, WERC: A Consortium for Environmental Education and Technology Development

PANEL:                                    Alden Zeitz, Director of North American Operations, DeWind Co.

Colin M. Coyne, Managing Principal, Coyne Group, LEED 2.0 Accredited Professional, Lecturer of Sustainable Enterprise at Kellogg: SEEK 920-A: “Sustainable Strategy”

Craig Mataczynski, Former Chief Executive, Renewable Energy Systems Americas and Chairman, Ecologic Analytics

Declan Flanagan, President & CEO, Lincoln Renewable Energy LLC

Ghazi Darkazalli, Ph D, PE, President & CEO, Marian Court College

Janelle Kellman, Attorney, Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Timothy Callahan, Partner, Paul Hastings

The Case for Green Jobs

• The NY Times reports that the federal government is pouring $500 million into training for green jobs, and the sector devoted to energy efficiency is estimated to grow as much as fourfold in the next decade, to some 1.3 million people, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
  
  
• According to Clean Tech Job Trends 2010, money invested in clean energy creates two to four jobs for every one job created if the money were spent on fossil fuel industries. Three clean tech categories in particular held their ground as the dominant innovative leaders throughout 2009, based upon number of patents granted: solar energy technology (at approximately 31 percent), wind power (at approximately 19 percent) and hybrid vehicles (at approximately 15 percent).
  
  

The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation recently released a report illustrating Colorado’s job growth in the cleantech industry.  Some statistics include:

• Cleantech jobs increased nationally by about 10 percent in the last five years, and that number soared to more than 30 percent in Colorado. Much of that growth was in wind and solar energy companies.
  
  
• The cleantech subcluster directly employed about 19,420 people in Colorado in 2010.

• About 1,600 cleantech companies operated in Colorado in 2010.  The number of Colorado cleantech companies increased 9.6 percent between 2005 and 2010, compared with 4.2 percent growth nationally.    

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.  Applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Everyone is talking about “green jobs.”  While many people are eager to become employed in the sustainability sector, there are naysayers who don’t believe that they actually exist.  As part of the ongoing, healthy dialogue about what and where green jobs are, it’s important to make an important distinction.  While there are bona fide positions that can be appropriately defined as a green job, there are thousands of other careers that are simply changing in the new energy economy.  The truth is, workplaces are shifting to more sustainable models, with or without the catchy phrase. 

According to the Colorado Cleantech Action Plan, “Cleantech is growing in Colorado and creating thousands of jobs.”  Citing the Pew Center’s report, The Clean Energy Economy:  Repowering Jobs, Businesses, and Investments Across America (http://bit.ly/dIpWGM), “Between 1999 and 2009, Colorado’s cleantech industry grew at an annualized rate of 18 percent, more than twice the rate of the Colorado economy as a whole (8 percent).”  

And Colorado isn’t alone.  However, while wind, solar, energy efficiency and additional sustainable fields are rapidly growing, they are not the only industries presenting green jobs to the workforce. Many career paths are taking a turn, requiring new thinking and skill sets to keep up with the changing environmental landscape.

Architects, engineers, electricians and machinists will continue to be in demand, yet their job descriptions may be continuously altered. Electricians will need to understand the new utility landscape; machinists will be required to install and maintain new technologies; engineers across all industries will be asked to channel their knowledge towards designing sustainable systems.

Here are some examples of changing industries outside of the traditional cleantech sector:

Utility companies. “Powerful trends are transforming the U.S. utility sector, including climate change, energy security, and energy price volatility concerns; increasing deployment of alternative resources like energy efficiency and renewable energy; and shifts in natural gas and other fossil fuel industries. Utilities that respond most effectively to these key trends – and whose regulators and legislators support them in doing so – will be best positioned to succeed in the 21st century.” (The 21st Century Electric Utility: Positioning for a Low-Carbon Future, a Ceres report published by Navigant Consulting. 2010.)

Real Estate.  From architects to real estate appraisers and agents to top executives, real estate professionals are under pressure to recognize efficient building techniques, gain awareness of green design elements and effectively value and incorporate them in today’s marketplace.

Corporate real estate executives are illustrating commitment to making sustainable decisions within their real estate portfolios, which requires knowledge of Green Building certifications, Energy Labels, the costs and benefits of retrofitting buildings and much more.  According to the third annual CoreNet Global and Jones Lang LaSalle sustainability survey conducted in September and October 2009 (http://bit.ly/hjgKm0), research shows that sustainability remains a key agenda item for corporate real estate executives.

The report states, “Sustainability is a critical business issue today for 70 percent of respondents and 89 percent consider sustainability criteria in their location decisions.”

Law firms. With an influx of sustainable activity, there will inevitably be legal issues.  Well-prepared law firms have lawyers and paralegals on staff who have the knowledge and confidence to perform highly complex environmental legal research; draft, analyze, and manage complex legal documents and correspondence about environmental topics; and prepare environmental filings, reports; real estate documents and more.

Agriculture.  While windmills have been used on farms for decades, farmers and the overall agriculture industry are taking great strides that are good for the earth, crops and business.   Farming is actually among the original green jobs, but new technologies are coming to market, requiring agricultural business leaders to sell, install and maintain systems that keep our food supply moving and meet consumers’ desire for a sustainable food system.

In Workforce Management magazine (http://bit.ly/gFQVHj), Raquel Pinderhughes, a professor of urban studies at San Francisco State University, “identified 22 economic sectors with green-collar opportunities, including food production (using organic agriculture), manufacturing (making energy-efficient and recycled products) and auto repair (servicing alternative-fuel vehicles).”

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics hasn’t yet defined “green jobs,” there are businesses, HR directors, career services departments and educational institutions invested in fostering sustainable careers across all industries.

Whether a career is given the term “green job” or fits within the confines of the green landscape, changes are inevitable.  They are already beginning to be reflected in educational and job training options.  For example, Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colorado (a suburb of Denver) has opened its doors as the first and only institution solely focused on renewable energy and sustainable design.  Launched in April 2010, future graduates are already in demand according to the college.

“We’re consistently receiving phone calls from businesses who can’t wait for our first graduating class,” said Alison Wise, Director of Career Services for Ecotech Institute.  “We speak with representatives from a wide range of industries, all seeking people who can serve as the future leaders of their changing workforce.”

For more information on how Ecotech Institute sees the future of green jobs and education, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com. 

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainable design, today announced that it has named Susan Pawlak as the school’s new Director of Career Services.  In this position, Susan will focus on creating long-term relationships with renewable energy and sustainable companies and will match highly skilled Ecotech graduates with employers. 

“The best way to secure a job is through relationships and contacts, and Susan serves as a dedicated advocate for our students,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute.  “In addition, she will position Ecotech as a go-to resource for local and national companies searching for high-quality employees.”

Susan isn’t a new face to Ecotech.  She has been with the school since May 2011, originally serving as an OSHA Safety and Health instructor.  Susan also helped to develop parts of Ecotech’s energy efficiency program.  Prior to joining Ecotech, she worked as an Adjunct Instructor at Front Range Community College where she taught in the Clean Energy Technology program and Corporate Solutions department.  Susan retired from Anheuser-Busch in 2008 after 26 years, where she concurrently managed manufacturing operations and training and development.  She was a hiring manager and designated as a master trainer for Anheuser-Busch as a mentor and coach for managers, supervisors and operator/technicians.  Her background and experience with manufacturing technology and interpersonal soft skills made her the perfect fit for Ecotech’s Career Services department.

“It’s very exciting to have the opportunity to forge solid relationships with companies that are seeking the type of employees Ecotech will be able to deliver,” said Pawlak.  “When students come to Ecotech they have a goal of getting a job that will lead to a fulfilling career in renewable energy; I get to help these students make that goal a reality.”

In Susan’s spare time, she’s an active volunteer.  She Co-Chairs the Veterans Plaza of Colorado, a project that pays tribute to all military men and woman associated with Colorado.  She has also volunteered for boards, business associations and is currently a volunteer phlebotomist for the 9Health Fair.  For 20 years, Susan served as a volunteer paramedic, volunteer firefighter and as Director of Operations for a volunteer ambulance service.

Ecotech Institute will have its first graduating class in July 2012.  Ecotech, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, launched in Aurora, Colorado in April 2010 with seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

We invite you to the Middle School Experience at Boulder Country Day School

Thursday, December 7 beginning at 5 pm.

Middle School is a critical passage. We make it a journey of exploration. Our International Baccalaureate Middle Years curriculum, experienced faculty, and small class size allow Boulder Country Day School students to find their passion in the classroom and in the world.

Situated on a picturesque, safe and private 5.5 acre campus, Boulder Country Day School is a small, independent pre-K through 8th grade school.

We welcome prospective families to tour our campus and meet our faculty, students, parents, and administrators.

Boulder Country Day School is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), is a member of the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS), and is an Approved Middle Years International Baccalaureate School.

Discover the difference at Boulder Country Day School.

RSVP with Patti Lemlein at 303.527.4931 x248

Please preview our Viewbook and visit our Website!

Often, martial arts is stigmatized with negative actions or behaviors.  This is caused by media, the film industry, certain professional or amateur fighters etc.  However, in this blog article, I would like to prove that this should not be generalized and it does not have to be this way.

Originally, martial arts was developed to increase the chance of survival.  Later on, it started to be used as a sport, in competition, as an art form and more.  Mostly, the code of honor and respect was central and utterly important for the practitioners.  Of course, there are always bad apples and all human advancements are always used for good and bad causes (think about samurais who valued honor vs. ninjas who were spies and mercenaries).

Some of these traditional martial arts styles are still widely practiced but unfortunately are also very outdated.  This will be a ongoing discussion but someone practicing Tai Chi, Karate, traditional Judo etc. will learn many techniques that are simply not functional in a real life situation.  This does not mean however, they are less worthy as an art form or for personal development.  For self defense, these and many more styles are very overrated and sometimes even useless.

On the other side, martial arts has also evolved over the last decades. Think about Mixed Martial Arts.  This is the ultimate competition martial arts form and has proven itself over and over again.  For self defense reasons, it may also not be 100% effective though (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will not work with multiple attackers, an MMA fighter will not know how to defend against a knife or gun attack…)
The issue with this progress is that the self defense aspect is often overlooked and the honor and respect are mostly forgotten.  The ratings have gotten so important that most fighters talk badly about each other and have very little respect left.  There are exceptions, think about Georges St. Pierre, who has very strong values and is also one of the best martial artists and fighters in the world.

Martial arts and fighting overlap each other, no doubt about it.  For me, it is your personal attitude that shows which one you are.  You do not have to be mean or disrespectful to be a good martial artist AND fighter.  Talking badly and insulting others only shows a bad attitude (and fear?)  Honor and respect are extremely important in our facility.  We respect our friends, instructors and teammates.  We push each other and ourselves and test each other during training to become the best we can be.  But there are no egos, disrespect, insults or anything else.

Our clients have different goals.  Some want to become a martial artist to defend themselves, other want to get in shape and others want to compete.  But we only train martial artists… that are really proficient in what they do, whether it is being prepared for protecting themselves/other or testing themselves in competition.  Many martial artists can become fighters but not every fighter can become a martial artist.  You will gain a huge amount of knowledge and skills to reach your goal and at the same time, you will gain friends and have fun.

Define Defense focusses on being the best studio in Boulder and offers a modern approach to martial arts, which consist of the most effective and realistic ways in martial arts.  But we have also not forgotten about honor and respect.  These are values that should never be forgotten.  We don't practice traditional martial arts by any means but these values are timeless.  We train individuals to better themselves and learn martial arts so they can feel safer, better about themselves or compete.  We respect everyone's goals and do everything we can for you to meet those.

Sander Vanacker is the owner and head instructor of Define Defense Martial Arts in Downtown Boulder.  www.DefineDefense.com

As you know, there are a lot of different styles of martial arts which you can practice.  Some studios offer a very traditional practice, which is great for the art and philosophy but is not necessarily effective anymore.  Then other gyms offer cardio kickboxing, which is a fantastic workout but martial arts wise you will learn as much as playing Kung Fu video games.  Then there are MMA gyms, a style that has been proven to be highly effective in competition (although that does not mean it is effective in a real self defense situation).  Most martial arts studios will teach you the style that they are proficient in but that may not give you a complete training experience or the best bang for your buck!  

I have met many individuals that practice martial arts and hire a personal trainer or strength & conditioning coach on the side.  Or they practice yoga outside of martial arts classes to improve their flexibility, feel in sync with their body etc.  At Define Defense, we approach martial arts training through a modern way and want to redefine martial arts and self defense (Define Defense, get it?).  

What we do is offer different programs for different purposes:

- Modern Martial Arts for people wanting to learn and practice all the best of different martial arts in a modern and realistic way while getting a great workout (everything from standup, takedowns, throws etc.)
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for all levels and offering a highly effective mix of BJJ and other forms of submission wrestling for a superior ground game
- Mixed Martial Arts: combining Modern Martial Arts and BJJ for individuals who want to learn MMA or compete
- Women's Self Defense without the intimidation of having men around, all the best and most effective ways to defend yourself as a woman

These programs offer different things for different people and are specific to the goal that wants to be reached.  Now, as a client you will learn a lot of techniques, tactics, submissions, strikes and much more but what if you want to get stronger, in better shape, more flexible etc?  That is why all our clients get complimentary Circuit Training and Yoga classes.  These are included in your membership and are taught by certified instructors.  There is no more need for separate memberships, gyms, trainers and costs.  You get a full training package as a member in our studio.  This way, you get a better and more complete training experience without any additional cost.  You will actually save money because you don't have to go elsewhere anymore.   Our membership fees are highly competitive (the best in the Boulder area) and there are no setup fees or cancellation fees.  Our philosophy is to treat others as you want to be treated and we love the community we have at Define Defense.

Sander Vanacker is the owner and head instructor of Define Defense Martial Arts in Downtown Boulder.  www.DefineDefense.com