According to Mass.gov, since 2010, the clean energy industry has grown by an impressive 73%, including more than 14% of net jobs created in the state around that time. With climate change and global warming becoming more and more prevalent across the Earth, many countries are trying to find solutions. In the U.S, the government funds and develops programs that support the clean energy initiative: a movement promoting the adoption of key changes to U.S. energy policies.
In October of 2023, Norwood Public Schools was awarded $25,000 dollars as part of a grant for a renewable energy pathway. The goal of this pilot pathway program is to expand STEM knowledge and education across the Commonwealth, which includes tackling pressing issues of climate change in the world right now. The basis of the program roots in setting students up, and deepening the necessary skills to excel in a present high-demand career in the clean energy industry.
The course consists mainly of a hands-on curriculum. Students work to understand concepts, design, and build technology that can assist in the field of clean energy. For their most recent project, the students worked to create their own sturgeon motors. These motors are some of the world’s first examples of clean energy, as they use electromagnets as a power source instead of fossil fuels.
The lead Innovations teacher for clean energy at NHS, Mr. Brendan Crowley, acknowledges that the clean energy industry is a vastly growing field. He emphasized that the increased use and need for wind turbines, solar panels, and limited costs for the state have led to a significant increase in the need for workers. In his own words, ”Same thing with solar panels, you see companies trying to sell them to homeowners, cutting down our energy costs… someone’s gotta build those, maintain those, design them and plan them,” he said. 
One freshman pathway student, Ridley Lomino, sees a possible career in STEM. Lomino advises others to take the class as it is fun, accessible, and hands-on. He believes that “It’s really fun… we ended up making a motor by hand, and it was cool to build something that we use pretty often.”
Another pathway student, freshman Lia Fruci, is considering a career in the engineering industry. Fruci finds that the hands-on approach that the class takes is beneficial for her, and she believes that other aspiring engineering students should take the course as well.
“I like actually being able to build things… not that many people [take the pathway as a course.] More people should take it,” she said.