Yosemite High School adds green technology course

Yosemite High School has added a green technology and energy conservation course this fall, the first campus in the Merced Union High School District to offer such a curriculum.

Torrin Johnson, Yosemite High principal, said he has been searching for a new career and technical education program to give his students experience in a growing industry. He hopes to expand the career pathways with courses in medical-nursing occupations along with public safety, construction, retail, computers and engineering fields.

Kahri Boykin is teaching 50 Yosemite High students and 30 Merced Adult School pupils the green tech course, dubbed GTEC for short.

Boykin, 38, an electrician and a teacher for four years, gives his students a solid A grade for their engagement in the curriculum. They meet daily for first- and second-level GTEC courses, which focus on energy conservation, a review of lighting standards, how to measure energy and analyzing energy-saving measures.

GTEC students also deal with water conservation and indoor air quality. Part of the curriculum model calls for students to network with industry professionals.

While students don’t have any projects in the works at present, plans are in the works to construct a solar array at East Campus Educational Center within the year. That will require private partnerships with firms in the green energy field, according to Boykin.

The solar panel at East Campus would allow students to monitor the operation and maintenance of solar energy sources. There are no prerequisites for students in the GTEC classes, but Boykin expects them to have an interest in the solar energy field.

“This is designed to expose students to energy efficiency and renewable energy technology,” Boykin said. “This stemmed from the vision of the district and campus administration to prepare graduates for the green industry through project-based learning.”

Johnson said he is looking for qualified teachers from the industry who can expand career-technical courses and give students real-life experiences. Educators need to give those entering the work world the skills they need to succeed.

“We are always looking for relevance in education,” Johnson said. “If they see a job connection, they will do better.”

Boykin is hoping to build relationships with construction professionals in the private sector along with union trades.

“The bottom line is we are approaching a period in our generation where renewable energy has achieved grid parity,” Boykin said. “That makes it a viable option. Our students ultimately are going to be more savvy and better trained to meet the needs of new technical construction skills required in a green economy.”

This story was originally published October 8, 2014 at 11:08 PM with the headline "Yosemite High School adds green technology course."