The profound impact of the YPS experience does not end with the conclusion of the summit week; Keystone has developed opportunities for YPS alumni to stay involved in public policy and connected to Keystone and their peers.

The inaugural meeting of the Youth Energy Board (YEB) will convene in February 2009, and involve group of 19 students who attended energy related summits in 2007 and 2008. This group will conduct research on a topic of specific interest to one or more of the Keystone’s National Energy Board members. After collaborating electronically, the group will meet together in person to finalize and present their recommendations with the National Energy Board for consideration. If successful, these recommendations may well be implemented by one or more of the companies. For example, this year, the YEB is funded entirely by Duke Energy, a large electric utility based in North Carolina. The students’ are completing a case study on solar energy and recommendations will likely be considered by the Senior Management at Duke, including the CEO, Jim Rogers. The Youth Energy Board will be a rotating board with three-year terms, so that students who participate in the YPS programs can continue to collaborate over a period of years, with their progress tracked as they enter college to ensure the success of the program. For those lucky enough to be selected, this presents a unique opportunity to interact with a high-powered group of individuals that collectively have a heavy influence on the nation’s energy policy. These students will be able to not only make suggestions for active consideration, but also will have access to potential internships and jobs during and after college.

Connecting Education to Reality

In October of 2008, eight students from six participating high schools that attended the Youth Policy Summit on Sustainable Fuels traveled to Washington, DC to present their findings to The Keystone Center’s National Energy Board. The Energy Board is a group of approximately 50 senior executive leaders in energy policy from oil and gas companies, electric utilities, transportation companies, environmental and consumer advocates, federal and state government, associations and law firms, and 10 Members of Congress. The group meets three times per year for open and honest debate on various topics, and to make recommendations on energy policy. The students shared both their findings, as well as their personal growth from the Summit. One U.S. Senator was so impressed that he skipped his next meeting to stay an extra 30 minutes and ask more questions of the students. Each October, a select group of students from energy related Summits will present their findings to the National Energy Board.