CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks
E160
February 6, 2003
Federal laboratories, especially the Depart-
ment of Energy’s national laboratories, with
their high concentrations of scientists and en-
gineers, are uniquely positioned to aid sur-
rounding communities in improving the learn-
ing experience of their students. Currently,
NREL conducts some science education ac-
tivities using
funds provided by private
sources, including funds from companies that
operate the lab—the midwest Research Insti-
tute, Battelle, and Bechtel. But enabling NREL
to use licensing revenues would give the lab
greater flexibility.
Even without the expansion of permitted
uses of licensing revenues that this bill would
enable, NREL has conducted a number of
science education programs with private funds
and some funds from the Department of En-
ergy and other federal agencies.
For instance, NREL initiated the Coalition
for Learning Opportunities and United Tutors
(CLOUT) program in 1998. CLOUT began as
a pilot program matching 200 volunteers with
fourth graders in 17 Denver public schools
who needed help with reading. The program
has grown to be a great success.
Another example is NREL’s Junior Solar
Sprint, which celebrated its twelfth year in
2002. This annual event gives students the
chance to design, build, and race vehicles
whose only energy source is sunlight. Each
team starts with a motor and a silicon solar
cell, and teams are awarded design trophies
based on technology, craftsmanship, and inno-
vation.
A third example is NREL’s Columbine Spirit
Scholarship at the Colorado School of Mines.
It was established in 1999 by the contractors
that operate NREL, MRI, Battelle and Bechtel.
The three companies gave an initial $25,000
to endow the fund, which is used to award
scholarships to graduates of Columbine and
other Jefferson County high schools through
the Colorado School of Mines Foundation. The
scholarship is offered first to Columbine grad-
uates who are pursuing degrees in disciplines