Energy Without Borders (Commuter) UM Amherst

Climate change has wide-reaching effects, including limited access to electricity and life-saving medical care in low-income communities worldwide. As we transition to green, renewable energy sources, policymakers and engineers face the challenge of making essential resources such as electricity, water, and healthcare accessible to all. In this course, high school students will use hands-on research methods and data lab sessions to investigate the links between climate change, the green energy transition, and access to resilient infrastructure, and envision new solutions to existing inequities. Participants will come away with a greater understanding of the challenges faced by communities with limited access to electricity and the ability to calculate the trade-offs involved in making decisions about green energy technology investments. The theories and methods taught in this class are based on engineering economics and decision analysis. However, the skills and concepts learned can be applied to many other disciplines and are crucial for ensuring a sustainable future. Students interested in engineering, programming, economics, or climate justice are invited to apply. You will need a computer or smartphone to analyze data. No previous programming experience is required. This course is offered at the UMass Amherst campus as a residential program. Local students may apply to attend as a commuter.