Latimer Energy Academy guides California students through the exact tradeoffs utilities face: how to balance solar and wind generation, manage imports from neighboring states, and strengthen grid resilience against wildfires. In the Microgrid project's "Tradeoff Tuning" lesson, students adjust resource mix, storage, and demand timing to optimize cost and reliability. They discover firsthand why California's electricity decisions—about which sources to build, how much storage to add, where transmission lines go—are not simple choices but engineering problems with real consequences for every home and business in the state.
Energy data is from the EIA State Energy Data System, EIA State Electricity Profiles, NCSL State Energy Legislation Database, and state economic development offices.
Pilot proof
In January 2026, 39 fourth-grade students in Indianapolis completed every lesson from start to finish — coding real pocket computers (microcontrollers), collecting live energy readings, and presenting findings to an audience.
4.6/5
Student enjoyment
72% of students gave it a 5-star rating
100%
Reported learning something new
Every student who took the survey said they learned something new
39
Students completed the entire course
Every student finished all five lessons, coded a pocket computer (microcontroller), and presented findings
Available to book today
Whether you want to get LEA into the hands of students this semester, plan for a pilot next year, or just learn more about the state-specific approach, you can book a session with our team to get the support you need.
Review the state-specific entry point, pilot scope, and what implementation would look like for your classrooms.
Book this pathBring Dr. Naeem Turner-Bandele in to teach a project and show what high-quality facilitation looks like with students.
Book this pathGet help choosing the right starting point for home learning, after-school use, or a community organization rollout.
Book this pathDiscuss local workforce relevance, territory fit, and how we can collaborate to support energy education in your community.
Book this pathFind your path
Select your path below to see the approach designed for how you will use LEA in California — whether you run a classroom, lead a school, or support a student at home.
Schools
Curriculum and professional development for your district
Teachers
Lesson plans and resources for your classroom
Parents
Learn alongside your child with guided family activities
Community
Hands-on energy programs for clubs and community groups
Utilities
STEM outreach and workforce pipeline programs
Businesses
Partner with Latimer Energy Academy to build the energy and technology workforce