Sparking Energy Mindset at Home with the Create a Spark Energy House Challenge

There is a general consensus that the future of green jobs looks bright. High schoolers interested in pursuing careers in the field, especially the energy sector, will enhance their candidacy through opportunities that augment classroom learning and combine theory with practical application. One such program is "Create a Spark" offered by Chicago-based Commonwealth Edison (ComEd). This program is designed to encourage an energy mindset, which involves prioritizing energy stewardship and serving as an energy ambassador for the community. The capstone experience in Create a Spark is a sustainable home design challenge that teaches high school students the fundamentals of residential energy efficiency and how to maximize efficiency. Create a Spark, and the Energy House Challenge in particular, have been well-received by high school participants. The Energy House Challenge was rated among the most interesting components of Create a Spark programming. There were statistically significant post-program increases on two dimensions of the energy mindset: knowing how to educate others to make informed energy decisions, and self-reported education of family and community members on how to make informed energy decisions. These results indicate the potential for future success in building energy mindset through short-term out-of-school programming that focuses on hands-on learning and mentorship.