How Solar Scholars led to the development of the Energypath 2011 Conference
The current format and structure of the Energypath 2011 Conference has been an evolution process originating in 2005 from the Solar Scholars™ program. The Solar Scholars program concept began in 2005 when SEF sponsored a sustainability coordinator from Wilson College to attended solar training at Solar Energy International in Colorado. Since 2006 SEF has both produced and sponsored an annual sustainable energy event where teams of students and their professors have received solar photovoltaic training from a nationally-recognized industry expert during week-long classes and hands-on sessions. In 2008 the conference grew in size with thirty colleges, community colleges and trade schools attending. In 2009 SEF renamed the Solar Scholars Conference to the Sustainable Energy Conference after the conference had grown from solar photovoltaic to the whole range of sustainable technologies. The traditional Solar Scholars program is now offered as a preconference bootcamp experience. Additionally, the conference added an expo for professionals to share product information and new technologies. With the new structure and name change the 2010 conference grew to over 400 people including students and professional educators from over 50 different secondary and post secondary institutes. SEF also launched their new educational branch Energypath at the 2010 conference. Energypath is about advancing sustainaiblity through education. Our 2011 conference will be known as Energypath 2011.