The Renewable Energy Students Association (RESA) will become an official student chapter of the national American Solar Energy Society (ASES) at its April 27 meeting.
"This meeting is important – profound, even – for RESA and ACC," said Jason Shaw, co-chair of RESA. "ACC will be the first higher education [school] in Texas to become a student chapter of ASES. This will bring more exposure to the college and the renewable energy program that RESA supports."
According to Shaw, two industry professionals, Fred Yebra, chair of the Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES), and John Umphress, a consultant for Austin Green Energy Building, will speak to RESA members and answer questions about the renewable energy field.
"I think it's a good idea for students to meet industry leaders and professionals so they can have a chance to ask questions face to face," said Shayna Lee, a consultant for RESA.
Lee said the second portion of the meeting wWill be dedicated to voting on bylaws and electing executive board officers for the one-year term that will start in the fall. These procedures, she said, are part of the process of becoming a student chapter of ASES.
"We thought a national organization would give us some continuity and structure so that we can continue to keep students informed and give them encouragement," she said. "The idea of going straight to the national level is pretty neat."
As part of ASES, Shaw said all RESA members will be able to take part in events and conferences, and connect with professionals, businesses and organizations in the renewable energy community.
"There are a lot of students at ACC, and I think that the renewable energy field is something that some people are passionate about," said Lee. "We want to give them an organization to make them feel like they can go out and meet people in the industry and be there with an organization rather than just being out there by themselves."
The meeting will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Rio Grande Campus. Shaw said RESA members and non-members are welcome to attend.
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