VoltED: The Future of Energy Program

VoltED is a certified Future of Energy curriculum that equips middle through adult learners to design, build, and innovate the systems powering our future. 

Standards-Aligned Impact

VoltED’s curriculum is certified by the New York Academy of Sciences for its demonstrated efficacy and strength in building STEM competency and confidence in diverse learners.  All curriculum is aligned with Next Generation Science and Common Core standards, equipping educators with relevant and rigorous content positioning learners to thrive as future leaders in STEM spaces.

A seal of certification confirming Global Stem Alliance Certified from The New York Academy Of Sciences.
Overhead view of students and facilitators collaborating on a solar energy project, examining a solar panel surrounded by architectural blueprints, a laptop, and tools on the work table.

What Learners Experience


Across the VoltED pathway, learners move from foundational electrical concepts into applied renewable energy systems and mini‑grid design—always through hands‑on experimentation and design challenges. They learn how energy moves, how systems fit together, and how engineering decisions shape people’s lives. 

Exploration

Explore why access to electricity is a global issue and why expanding reliable energy matters for communities and economies.

A black woman wearing glasses and a brown jacket with white sherpa collar focuses intently while working on electronic components with tools, natural light illuminating their workspace from the side.

Building

Build and safely test basic circuits, discovering how voltage, current, and resistance interact to control energy flow.
 

A teacher and four elementary students gather around a table observing an illuminated light bulb connected to two solar panels during a renewable energy demonstration in a classroom setting.

Investigation

Investigate how solar cells and panels convert light into electricity and how these components are integrated into larger renewable systems.
 

Two young innovators collaborate on a circuit project, carefully assembling components as they share ideas and solutions, embodying the spirit of teamwork and creativity in technology education.

A female VoltED faciltator sets up a hands-on learning activity involving a mini solar panel.

What Facilitators Receive


VoltED is designed so educators and facilitators can focus on mentoring learners rather than building curriculum from scratch. It bundles high‑quality content, implementation tools, and professional learning into a single, coherent package.

Modular and Adaptable Curriculum

The curriculum is organized in modular tiers that can fit into existing courses, clubs, camps, and adult programs.

A facilitator explains a solar panel to a group of engaged students.

Embedded Professional Learning

Gain access to ongoing, structured support rooted in project-based learning, growth mindset, and inclusive STEM instruction.

A group of four students collaborate in a hands-on classroom, learning about the future of renewable energy.

Materials and Guidance

VoltED includes clear implementation instructions and guidance on recommended equipment so programs can strategically pilot, invest, and scale.

In a collaborative workspace, two individuals discuss innovative solar technology, analyzing data on a laptop while surrounded by solar panels. Their engaging conversation hints at a future fueled by sustainable energy solutions.

The Learning Arc

VoltED begins by grounding learners in why energy access and reliability matter for communities around the world. From there, they explore how electrical circuits work, how to handle them safely, and how to measure and interpret key quantities like voltage, current, and resistance. 
 
As the program progresses, learners investigate how solar cells function, how panels and components form larger systems, and how demand and load profiles shape system design. They culminate in designing their own concepts and making informed trade‑offs based on budget, site conditions, and sustainability goals—just like real engineers. 

Organizations that partner with VoltED aren’t just offering another STEM elective—they’re powering systems thinking, workforce readiness, and sustainability innovation across middle, high school, and adult learners.