Program Description
The 2009 Renewable Energy Scholarship Program provides grants to We Energies electric customers or individuals employed by a We Energies customer to attend a renewable energy conference. Eligible participants of this Scholarship Program include:
- Private industry representatives whose companies are located within We Energies’ electric service territory, whose companies are engaged in the training, development or manufacturing of a renewable energy product or technology. Also considered are representatives of companies that are actively pursuing on-site installation of a renewable energy generating facility. Applicants must be full-time employees in good standing and directly engaged in renewable energy related activities.
- Full-time staff members of non-profit organizations engaged in activities directly related to the renewable energy industry, such as policy development, where such activities have a direct impact within We Energies’ electric service territory.
- Conference Grant Program for K-12, Post-Secondary and Community Educators
Seven conferences meet program requirements. In addition, an eighth option is offered where applicants may choose a renewable energy conference that best suits their needs, provided the conference meets program requirements. Each applicant may only apply for one conference per program year.
- Renewable Energy World Conference Expo North America Las Vegas, Nev., March 10 – 12, 2009 Connecting 5,000 renewable energy power professionals with 300 exhibitors for three days of networking, new business negotiation and the exchange of important ideas and information impacting the renewable energy industry today.
- Renewable Energy Summit Milwaukee, Wis., March 25–28, 2009
The Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit at the Midwest Airlines Center is “Green Business – Unlimited Economic Opportunity”. The growth of renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability will generate new economic opportunities in Wisconsin. The 35,000-plus new positions predicted for the next decade will include manufacturers, installers, consultants, engineers and all associated and supporting professions.
Note: An exception will be made to the application requirements for this conference because it is local. Applications need not include a Letter of Reference or Letter of Commitment.
- Wisconsin Wind Energy Supply Chain Seminar Appleton, Wis., March 31, 2009 This state-level seminar will focus on supply chain challenges and opportunities in the state of Wisconsin for companies looking to get involved in the supply of components and services to the wind energy industry. This state-level event is designed to focus on specific aspects for Wisconsin-based companies and to enable their entrance into the wind industry.
- Windpower 2009 Chicago, Illinois, May 4-7, 2009
The largest annual wind conference and exhibition in the world featuring over 13,000 attendees and over 776 exhibitors. Learn about the latest industry developments and technologies; review new products and services in the expansive exhibit hall; and network with leading industry decision makers.
- SOLAR 2009 Buffalo, NY, May 12–16, 2009
Brought to you by the American Solar Energy Society, SOLAR 2009 is America’s leading conference on the emerging trends, technology, and opportunities shaping the new energy economy.
- Midwest Renewable Energy Fair Custer, Wis., June 19-21, 2009
Held at the ReNew the Earth Institute, 7558 Deer Road in Custer, the fair features hundreds of workshops and exhibits, all emphasizing clean energy and sustainable living, and is fun for the whole family.
- Solar Power International 2009 Anaheim, Calif., Oct. 27–29, 2009
America’s largest solar energy event, features over 650 exhibitors, 125 speakers and networking opportunities.
- Renewable Energy Conference of Your Choice
Under this option, the applicant may suggest a renewable energy conference of their choice. The conference requirements are:
- Conference must be held in 2009 at a location within the lower 48 states.
- Primary topic(s) of the conference must be directly related to the renewable energy industry and directly related to the applicant’s respective area of endeavor(s).
The 2009 Renewable Energy Scholarship Program is intended to offer an opportunity to gain information to further renewable energy endeavors within We Energies service territory. For college level faculty members, the intent is that attendance will help to further develop renewable energy curriculum and faculty research. For individuals employed at non-profit or private organizations, the intent is to help encourage continued development of renewable energy programs, technologies, products, personnel and projects.
Awards in this annual capped program are made based on eligibility and highest level of suitability. Grants are issued only to applicants demonstrating the highest level of enthusiasm, suitability and usefulness of information gained. Applicants that are awarded grants are limited to one award in the 2009 program year. Each grant provides:
- Full conference registration.
- Reimbursement of direct expenses such as travel, lodging and food. (See information on Tax Information below).
Application Process
Contents
Scholarship applications must include the following contents in this order:
- Narrative essay
The essay should be a maximum of 700 words and must clearly state why you are an ideal candidate for this scholarship program. Specifically describe the conference you want to attend, why this conference is suitable for your particular area of interest or expertise in the renewable energy industry, and the ongoing benefits that will be derived from your attendance. Emphasis should be placed on describing tangible benefits, such as enhanced curriculum development, staff training for more effective communication, and/or data gathering for renewable energy product or project development.
- Curriculum vitae, one page
Application shall include curriculum vitae (one page) for each applicant.
- Letter of reference
A letter of reference must be included from your direct supervisor or administrator indicating that you are a full-time employee or faculty member in good standing, and providing support for your attendance at the conference, as well as for sharing the knowledge gained upon your return from the conference.
- Letter of commitment
A letter of commitment signed by both the applicant and the applicant’s supervisor or administrator must be included in your application. This letter must state that it is your intent to participate fully in the conference, including attendance and active involvement in sessions throughout each day of the conference and for the entire duration of the conference.
- Scholarship request
An itemized scholarship request must be included to document the conference:
- Title
- Location
- Date
- Registration fee and deadline
- Mailing address (to submit registration fee)
- Social Security Number or Place of Business’ Tax ID number
- (This is needed for reimbursement of expenses)
Submission
Applications must be submitted no later than one and one half months prior to the conference date. Applications are reviewed within one week of receipt, so plan accordingly based on the conference date.
Example: If an applicant is interested in attending the Wind Power Conference May 4-7, the application should be received at We Energies no later than March 17.
Exceptions will be made for applicants to attend March conferences, as the deadline has already passed.
Scholarships will continue to be granted until the allocated budget is expended. Also, keep in mind that conferences fill up quickly. Typically, booking flights several months in advance results in better fares, thus applicants are encouraged to submit applications as far in advance as possible to achieve the best possible air fares and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Please submit applications to:
teresa.eggleson@we-energies.com
Hard copy applications can be sent to:
We Energies
2009 Renewable Energy Scholarship Program
c/o Terri Eggleson – P318
231 W. Michigan Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Notification,Disbursement of Awards, and Submittal of Receipts
All eligible applicants are considered, and all scholarships are granted on an equal opportunity basis. Following the application review, letters and/or e-mails are sent to applicants, indicating whether a scholarship has been awarded. Each applicant must pay for all conference expenses. The applicant will be reimbursed within 30 days of submitting the receipts for the conference expenses to Terri Eggleson at the address/e-mail shown below. In some instances, conference registration fees will be paid directly to respective conference organizers by We Energies for each approved applicant.
Reimbursement will be made to the scholarship recipient for the following submittal of approved expenses:
- Conference Registration
- Travel
- Mileage
- Taxi (where applicable)
- Airport Parking (where applicable)
- Air Travel (where applicable)
- Lodging (where applicable)
- Three meals per day (minus meals provided at conference)
Tax Information
A Form 1099-MISC will be issued to all scholarship recipients receiving a scholarship whose total expenses are in excess of $600 dollars.
We Energies
2009 Renewable Energy Scholarship Program
c/o Terri Eggleson – P318
231 W. Michigan Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Questions?
Contact Teresa.Eggleson@we-energies.com
