NEED brings nearly 45 years of energy education experience nationwide.
NEED has a long history of working with utilities and energy and education organizations and agencies to provide energy curriculum materials (correlated to all state science standards and the Next Generation Science Standards), teacher training and student leadership development that engages students in learning about energy – authentically – across disciplines. NEED classrooms can be science, social studies, career and technical education, language arts, or drama classrooms. With a strong portfolio designed for interdisciplinary use across grade levels, the program provides classroom teachers with tools for success with any grouping of students in virtually all learning situations. NEED’s student engagement programs get students collaborating and to explore energy and work on solutions for energy challenges while also cultivating their workforce skills and building confidence.
The mission of The NEED Project is to promote an energy conscious and educated society by creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government, and community leaders to design and deliver objective, multi-sided energy education programs. NEED works with energy companies, agencies and organizations to bring balanced energy programs to the nation’s schools with a focus on strong teacher professional development, timely and balanced curriculum materials, signature program capabilities and turn-key program management.
NEED programs help teachers and students understand the science of energy, sources of energy, electricity generation and transmission, transportation, and efficiency and conservation at home and at school. Materials are designed for four levels for the K-12 community – primary, elementary, intermediate, and secondary – with additional resources in career and technical education and workforce development. Materials are updated annually by NEED’s Teacher Advisory Board and additions are made to enhance the curriculum each year. NEED materials are designed to be objective and encourage cooperative learning and student leadership.
Started in 1980, The National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project began as a one-day celebration of energy education when National Energy Education Day was recognized by a Joint Congressional Resolution. In the same year, President Jimmy Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation stressing the need for comprehensive energy education in our schools, a reduction in our dependence of fossil fuels, and increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy technologies.
In March 2025, NEED will officially celebrate 45 years as an organization! It's always an honor and privilege to share with our sponsors, partners, friends, and beyond the incredible milestones we've reached as an organization. Taking the time to acknowledge where we began and where we are today fuels our passion for energy education!
