# Kids Being Green

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/06/students-building-solar-racecars-at-newburgh-academy/
- Published: 2009-06-04T13:38:00-04:00
- Author: greenguruguides

Teaching kids to recycle is a start. Teaching them how to build clean technology
is a whole different level. For example, students building solar racecars are taking
hands-on learning in sustainability to new heights.

That’s exactly what students at Newburgh Free Academy proved when they designed,
built, and raced their own solar-powered and electric vehicles—turning sustainability
from a classroom concept into something you can drive.

## Building real clean-energy skills in high school

A standout example of student-driven sustainability comes from Newburgh Free Academy’s
long-running alternative-energy program, which was highlighted by Hudson Valley 
Magazine in its feature on the school’s student-built solar cars and bikes racing
competitively at regional events like the Green Grand Prix. Students didn’t just
learn theory—they engineered working vehicles from the ground up, gaining hands-
on experience in mechanics, electronics, and renewable energy systems.

[Source:](https://hvmag.com/life-style/race-to-the-future/) Hudson Valley Magazine
coverage of the Newburgh solar car program

**Racing solar cars—and winning**

These student teams didn’t stop at building vehicles for display. They entered them
in competitive clean-energy races and took home first-place finishes at the Green
Grand Prix, a long-running sustainable motorsports event that showcases electric,
hybrid, and solar vehicles from schools and universities across the region.

[Source:](https://www.newburghschools.org/nfa-news.php) Green Grand Prix official
event history and race results

Competition adds pressure, deadlines, and real-world problem-solving—exactly the
skills students need if they want to work in clean transportation, engineering, 
or renewable energy careers.

**Why programs like this matter now more than ever**

Hands-on sustainability education does something traditional classes often can’t:

 * It makes climate solutions tangible
 * It connects STEM learning to real-world outcomes
 * It prepares students for emerging clean-energy careers

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, workforce demand in electric vehicles,
battery manufacturing, and renewable energy continues to grow rapidly, making early
exposure to these technologies a major advantage for students entering the job market.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy clean energy workforce and education resources

**The takeaway for parents, schools, and communities**

You don’t need to wait for kids to grow up to “fix the planet.”

When students are given tools, mentorship, and real projects—like building a solar
car—they show exactly how capable they already are.

Programs like Newburgh Free Academy’s prove that kids being green isn’t about slogans.
It’s about skills, confidence, and building solutions that actually move.

## Sources:

 1. Hudson Valley Magazine – Newburgh Free Academy solar car program
 2. Green Grand Prix – official race history and results
 3. U.S. Department of Energy – clean energy workforce & education resources

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4841837f2a0756d69aeaa2877e5646549fc845ec2f0ffc2804839152c38ba332?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenguruguides

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman, is recognized as a green living guru and electric
car expert. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the 
green guru guides, green business and electric vehicles.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenguruguides/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenguruguides/)