How does electricity move seamlessly across 15 states and the Canadian province of Manitoba every second of the day? Join the Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for our next Energy Education for Educators (E3) experience at the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) North Region Control Center in Eagan, Minnesota. Often described as the "air traffic controllers" of the high-voltage electric grid, MISO operators and engineers balance power supply and demand for 45 million people while managing one of the world’s largest wholesale energy markets. This compact, two-hour morning session—ideal for K-12 STEM, social studies, computer science, and CTE teachers, as well as career counselors, work-based learning coordinators, and school administrators will include an interactive "MISO 101" briefing and a rare look inside the highly secured MISO Control Center. Capacity is strictly limited to 25 participants; advance security clearance and a background check are required. Additional details are available on the Powering Minnesota website.

The Energy Center, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, is launching a free, hands-on EVSE Technician Course at Saint Paul College this December. Designed for electricians, fleet maintenance teams, and electrically inclined adults, the pilot training covers EV charging equipment installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and electrical safety, while preparing participants for the EVITP certification exam to help meet NEVI workforce requirements. Classes run December 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10, 2026, with full scholarships available for 20 participants (a required registration deposit is refunded upon completion). First-come, first-served registration is open through November 26.

SAVE the DATE!

The Energy Center's annual Workforce Summit is scheduled for March 30 at Riverland Community College's campus in Albert Lea. Want to present? Share your insights and successes that are building Minnesota's future energy workforce.

We have sharpened our plans for next summer's Adventures in Modern Power (AMP) Camp, and we are eager to collaborate with our partners to put on this camp for young career explorers in grades 5-9. Collaboration can mean everything from sharing your insights from past camp experience to being boots-on-the-ground next summer. Please don't hesitate to reach out!

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) generously contributed a $10,000 gift to the Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence to support the EmPowering Minnesota Scholars Fund. CEEM's investment, backed by its network of business members, will provide critical micro-scholarships for up to 10 students pursuing high-demand technical careers in solar, wind, electrical, and energy efficiency fields. This partnership directly strengthens Minnesota's clean energy workforce pipeline and ensures local students have accessible pathways to family-sustaining careers as the state advances toward its 2040 carbon-free electricity goals.