Empowered by the Sun

PO Box 733 Lutz, FL 33548 / empoweredbythesun.org

Contact: Reagan Wheeler

Phone: (321) 747-6099
Email: empoweredbythesun@gmail.com
Date: August 3, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tampa couple to bring solar energy education to over 5,000 students

TAMPA, Florida -- Local Tampa couple Will and Margarita are embarking on a nationwide trip in
one of the world’s first solar-powered vans to bring solar energy education to kids across the
country.

There are currently only three states with curricula that include solar power education.

The project, Empowered by the Sun, believes solar energy is a vital topic to teach the next
generation. However, teaching additional curriculum on top of strict state standards can be
close to impossible, and funding is rarely available.

The non-profit developed a curriculum that works with already existing state curriculums, while
including information about renewable energy, solar power, circuits, and how to make a circuit
with solar power.

Sunny, one of the world’s first solar-powered vans, will transport the curriculum and its
instructors to over 5,000 students across the United States. Sunny will allow the instructors to
conduct hands-on STEM workshops where students will experiment with solar power and be
able to build solar-powered vehicles.

The workshops will include videos and verbal information on the versatility of solar power as an
energy source. Students will be provided access to online materials so that they continue
learning about solar energy outside the classroom.

“Ours is a very clear mission: to spread practical knowledge of solar energy across the country
and reach as many students as possible,” according to their website.

Will is a former middle school environmental science teacher and experienced the difficulties of
integrating additional curriculum into state guidelines. He and Margarita promote solar education
in different aspects from a solar-powered DJ booth to their hands-on STEM workshops.

For more information about the organization or to apply to have a workshop at your school, you
can visit empoweredbythesun.org or their Facebook Page.

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