For the third straight year, U.S.-based First Wind has partnered with teachers in local classrooms in communities that host First Wind projects to make contributions toward local education projects through the DonorsChoose program.

In May of 2012, First Wind began a strategic partnership with DonorsChoose.org in order to enhance the company’s community giving in locations where First Wind develops and operates renewable energy facilities. For the past three years, the program has benefitted many local classrooms and students. In its third full year, for example, First Wind contributed $15,000 to fund 52 projects at 36 schools, which reached and positively impacted nearly 4,400 students. Funds donated by First Wind were used for supplying learning materials or for purchasing books to implement STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs.

“First Wind is committed to being an active community member and we are glad to again help support innovative and engaging educational projects in our host communities,” said Carol Grant, senior vice president of External Affairs. “This program starts with the good idea of a teacher in one of our communities. Our contribution is to support that idea and help bring it to life. We’re glad to have a small part in helping these teachers and their students.”

First Wind has donated to classrooms in or near the communities where it has projects, including Mars Hill, Maine; Rosalia, Washington; Lyndonville, Vermont; Milford, Utah; Kahuku, Hawaii and many other locations.

First Wind is especially proud to support school projects that involve renewable energy education. One project request at Ella Burr Elementary School in Lincoln, Maine came from Mrs. Josephine Gray who was hoping to purchase alternative energy science kits to better help her fourth graders learn through hands-on experiments. The project was fully funded and the students cannot wait to receive the materials.