SEA is always hard at work creating objective and nonpartisan energy education resources. Visit our news section to get a glimpse of some of the latest web additions, project updates, or filming adventures.
Stay updated with the latest from Energy Switch! Season 5 premieres on PBS September 30th, Season 4 of the podcast releases this month, and Season 6 is set to debut early next year. Don’t miss these exciting energy discussions!
Switch Energy Alliance President Anne Ekern addressed students at ONS Young about the importance of energy education and solving global energy poverty. Learn how Switch Energy Alliance is empowering the next generation of energy leaders to create innovative solutions for the energy challenges of tomorrow.
Explore recent screenings of Switch On at Arizona State University and the University of Zambia, raising awareness of energy poverty. Join us for an upcoming screening at the Cambridge Science Festival on September 24th at the Cambridge Public Library.
Don’t miss this chance to be a part of something bigger than yourself—an opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and make a lasting impact on the future of energy. Register for the Switch Case Competition and start building the solutions of tomorrow today!
The Energy Switch Podcast Hits Over 100K Listens!
Discover how the Energy Switch Podcast has reached over 100,000 listens, featuring insightful conversations with leading energy experts. Join the discussion and catch up on the latest episodes now!
Welcoming Our New Team Member - Angela Marraudino
Meet Angela Marraudino, the newest member of the Switch Energy Alliance team. Discover her passion for energy education and how she plans to drive energy literacy in our community.
Summer Institute in Vancouver: A Week of Learning and Connection
Explore the highlights of our Summer Institute in Vancouver, where our Teacher Advisory Council engaged in field trips, dynamic discussions, and team-building activities to enrich Switch Classroom offerings.
Upcoming Case Competition - Registration Opens September 1st
Get ready for the Switch Case Competition! Registration opens on September 1st for university students to tackle real-world energy issues and win great prizes. Learn more about this exciting event.
The Board of Directors of the Switch Energy Alliance (SEA) is pleased to announce that Anne Ekern will begin a new role as President of SEA on June 3rd, 2024. Anne brings tremendous experience across government, finance, academia, and energy. Most recently, Anne has served as Marketing Director for Rystad Energy in Oslo, Norway.
We are thrilled to announce an exciting development within our team! Grey Johnson, who joined us as an intern while completing his studies in Radio-Television-Film at the University of Texas at Austin, has officially accepted a full-time position with Switch Energy Alliance as our new Video Content Coordinator.
Energy Poverty Solutions Spotlight: Beyond the Light Project
The Beyond the Light Project brings sustainable solar solutions to communities without access to electricity, improving education, health, and economic development in Latin America. Discover their impactful work.
Tinker Talks: May 2024 - Leading the Conversation on Energy
Dr. Scott Tinker addresses environmental footprints, economic impacts, and global energy trends in a series of talks this May. Join him in Santa Marta for insights on energy prosperity, transition, and exploration.
Switch Competition Interns: Enhancing Outreach and Innovation
Switch Competition welcomes six interns from the 2023 winning teams. Team Synergy works on country selections and the Social Media Contest, while Team Energreen launches the Switch Alumni Network for international outreach and engagement.
Switch Classroom empowers teachers with digital resources and professional development opportunities, while engaging students in an interactive learning platform. Discover how it's transforming education with new tools, participants, and activities.
Join Dr. Scott Tinker on Energy Switch, exploring energy innovation, policy, and industry trends. Stream it on PBS for insights into global energy dynamics, technological advancements, and policy shifts.
Dive into discussions from the Energy Switch: The Podcast, covering energy trends, climate impact, and economic implications. Tune in to learn about the evolving policies shaping the future of the energy sector.
Don't miss out! Join us for our biannual update on April 5th at 2:00 PM CST. It's a chance to connect, learn, and support a brighter future with SEA.
Mark your calendars for Dr. Tinker's upcoming talks in April:
We're thrilled to announce that we've relocated to a new office space!
Look at how Switch Classroom has grown this school year!
Join us in welcoming our newest Canadian Teacher Advisory Council Member, Sarah Finder as Switch Classroom expands to Canada!
Season 4 of Energy Switch is streaming now! Catch it on select PBS stations from April 1st and on PBS WORLD from April 17th.
Discover the inspiring journey of sisters Sarah and Deena Mousa as they tackle Cairo's energy challenges head-on. Witness their mission to bring affordable hot water to disadvantaged communities through Shamsina—meaning "our sun" in Arabic. Learn how their solar water heaters offer a sustainable solution tailored to Egyptian households, aiming to combat energy poverty and promote environmental sustainability. Join them in envisioning a brighter future for all Egyptians.
Switch On: The Series, adapted from our beloved feature film, now reaches over 100 million households across the US via PBS.org!
In an exciting development for educators nationwide, Switch Classroom is proud to announce the launch of its first monthly newsletter.
We're excited to announce the premiere of Switch On: The Series on PBS. Inspired by our acclaimed feature film of the same name, this compelling series explores the journey to bringing reliable and accessible energy to the developing world, highlighting both the benefits and challenges faced along the way.
As the anticipation builds, we are thrilled to share that the filming for Season 5 of the groundbreaking PBS show, Energy Switch, is slated for the end of this month.
Kansas State University is celebrating the achievements of one of its own, Fidelis Onwuagba, who not only participated in the 2023 Switch Competition but also emerged as a winner. This victory has been highlighted in multiple university publications, showcasing Onwuagba's dedication, innovation, and the impactful work his team accomplished in addressing global energy challenges.
Dr. Tinker's January speaking engagements included:
Dr. Tinker's December speaking engagements included:
PBS affiliates across the United States will begin airing the enlightening documentary series, Switch On: The Series beginning February 1st.
Energy Switch is now airing on six NPR affiliates in Alaska, New Mexico, Missouri, Washington, and Pennsylvania, engaging over 130,000 listeners with its unique content.
Switch Classroom has recently released a new course alignment guide for chemistry.
SEA is excited to announce an opening for a Program Associate for the Switch Classroom program.
We're delighted to welcome Jennifer Smith as our new Senior Consultant. With over 25 years in the oil and gas industry as a geoscientist, Jennifer's extensive career spans distinguished international corporations, including Phillips Petroleum, Marathon Oil, and Murphy Oil Corporation.
As we approach the end of 2023, let's celebrate the incredible achievements and milestones that defined this year for SEA.
We're delighted to welcome Lynn Kistler, our founding and lead Teacher Advisory Council (TAC) member, as a grant writer for Switch Classroom. With a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.A. in Physics, Lynn brings 30 years of teaching experience.
We are delighted to announce the conclusion of our 4th Annual Switch International Energy Case Competition. Culminating on November 11th, judges named Team EnerGreen as the winners.
Members of our Teacher Advisory Council (TAC) attended both the North Carolina Science Teachers Association and the Science Teachers Association of Texas Conferences last month. Ruthann McComb, Ben Schosek, and Angela Marraudino, dedicated members of our TAC, showcased Switch Classroom to science educators from elementary to high school levels.
This past Friday, SEA held its Fall Supporters' Update. Dr. Scott Tinker and the SEA Team shared exciting updates to over 115 people - a record-breaking turnout!
In celebration of Free Speech Week, the UT Austin Jackson School of Geosciences hosted a four-episode screening of our acclaimed public television show, Energy Switch. The event welcomed students, faculty, and the public to engage in thoughtful discussions after each episode with the show’s esteemed host, Dr. Scott Tinker, and director, Harry Lynch.
Dr. Tinker appeared as a guest on the following podcasts released this month:
The excitement is palpable as the 4th annual Switch International Energy Case Competition continues, showcasing the brilliance and dedication of university teams from 27 countries. With 88 cases submitted, the competition is set to address one of the world's most pressing issues: energy poverty.
The Switch Energy Club at UT Austin and its President and longtime SEA Volunteer Syed Talha Tirmizi, are inspiring and empowering students while fostering a deep understanding of global energy challenges and innovative solutions.
On October 13, Switch Classroom proudly introduced our Energy Lab social media series, revolutionizing the way essential energy topics are communicated to audiences worldwide. Through captivating 30-60 second reels and shorts, this innovative series distills complex energy concepts into digestible and engaging content, sparking curiosity among viewers.
In a dedicated effort to revolutionize K-12 education and promote energy literacy, Switch Classroom has begun a strategic conference tour, showcasing our innovative online education platform to educators and school districts across the United States.
Our popular energy and climate talk show, Energy Switch, has been adapted for listeners around the US on public radio! Currently, the radio edition of Energy Switch Season 1 is playing on three NPR affiliates: KXCV, KSTK, and KMXT. Check your listings for more information.
Enverus, a prominent player in the energy sector, hosted a screening of our compelling documentary, Switch On. This enlightening film, which explores the intricate web of energy-related challenges confronting our world, was followed by an engaging Q&A session with the film's executive producer and SEA Chairman, Dr. Scott Tinker.
At the Giant Screen Cinema Association Annual Conference, our 5-minute museum film, Energy Makes Our World, was viewed by professionals from the museum, giant screen, film production, and distribution industries.
This year’s Switch International Energy Case Competition is officially underway! On October 2, the SEA team released the highly anticipated 2023 Case Packet, unveiling the competition prompt and guidelines that will challenge participants to harness their creative and critical thinking skills.
At Switch Classroom, our mission is to empower educators and students with the best tools and resources to facilitate learning and growth. The new platform updates and our presence at these events underscore our commitment to this mission.
Embark on an enlightening journey into the complex world of energy and climate as Energy Switch Season 3 is now airing and streaming on PBS!
It’s that time of year! We are happy to announce our biannual supporter’s update will be held on November 3 at 2 p.m. CDT.
Join us virtually to hear some exciting SEA updates and learn more about upcoming projects!
Last week, something exciting happened behind the scenes – the final clapperboard fell on the filming of Energy Switch Season 4! Energy Switch Season 3 is about to hit the screens of PBS affiliates nationwide, kicking off October 2nd.
Energy Makes Our World, SEA’s 5-minute museum film, will be showing this month at the Giant Screen Cinema Association’s Dome Day and Annual Conference in Cincinnati and Indianapolis. What sets the film apart is not just its thought-provoking content, but also its new availability in IMAX® laser and xenon formats.
Dr. Tinker's August speaking engagements included:
On July 27, SEA collaborated with the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED) for their annual National Energy Conference for Educators. The event showcased the Switch Classroom program and featured an engaging keynote by SEA Chairman Dr. Scott Tinker, emphasizing the vital dual challenge of meeting global energy demands while mitigating environmental impact.
Don't miss out on Energy Switch, SEA’s popular energy and climate talk show! Get up to speed before Season 3 premieres this October, and watch your local PBS listings for airing information. Season 1 is available for free streaming on our website, while both Seasons 1 & 2 can be enjoyed on PBS.org for free.
Season 3 of Energy Switch boasts an exceptional lineup of esteemed experts and current, future-forward topics - guaranteeing an unparalleled viewing experience. Here's a sneak peek into the exciting content that awaits you.
Switch Classroom, SEA's K-12 online learning platform, is now available on the Clever App Library. This integration allows teachers and students using the Clever Learning Management System (LMS) to access the Switch Classroom platform seamlessly.
SEA has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 9 million trackable views of our video content!
Dr. Tinker's July speaking engagements included:
Upcoming Tinker Talks in August:
Recognizing the power of giant screen films, SEA aims to extend its reach with Energy Makes Our World, an engaging five-minute educational film for museums and giant screen theaters to raise awareness of the importance of energy in all aspects of our lives.
To facilitate the distribution of Energy Makes Our World, SEA has enlisted the expertise of Mark Bretherton, a veteran of the giant screen industry. With over 25 years of experience in IMAX theaters, film distribution, and service on the board of the Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA), Bretherton is well-equipped to assist in ensuring the film's widespread availability.
Throughout the month of June, SEA Chairman Dr. Scott Tinker embarked on a series of speaking engagements across the United States. Addressing a diverse audience consisting of industry professionals, teachers, and energy enthusiasts, Dr. Tinker shed light on the concept of the dual challenge - emphasizing the need to provide affordable, reliable, and accessible energy for all while protecting the environment. With his captivating presentations, Dr. Tinker sparks conversations and inspires action towards an energy-educated future.
On June 27, Deborah Byers, a distinguished member of our Board of Directors, spoke about the energy transition to high school students at Asia Society Texas' Young Leaders Institute. Deborah was joined by Mike Cousins, Exxonmobil's Director of Greenhouse Gas and Climate Change, and Loan Tran, Exxonmobil's Advocacy & External Interfaces Manager. The conversation was facilitated by Edward R. Allen, co-founder and Senior Partner of Eagle Global Advisors.
Grey Johnson, a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, is embarking on an exciting journey towards a future where storytelling meets technology. Pursuing a B.S. in Radio-Television-Film and completing a Certificate in the Elements of Computing, Grey's passion lies in harnessing the power of video editing to deliver captivating messages. With a keen interest in storytelling, he aims to engage audiences in the most compelling way possible.
Switch Classroom, SEA’s K-12 online learning platform, is thrilled to announce the release of five new alignment guides, providing educators with valuable resources to seamlessly integrate our activities and lessons into their 5th-12th grade courses. These alignment guides also showcase how Switch Classroom aligns with various rigorous standards, including AP Environmental Science, IB Environmental Systems & Societies, and NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).
Last week, our Teacher Advisory Council (TAC) gathered in Austin for our annual Summer Institute. It was an extraordinary event filled with collaboration, exploration, and growth. Comprising eleven 5th-12th grade teachers from across the country, the TAC is a group of science education experts who contribute to the development of Switch Classroom—an innovative online learning platform—and provide valuable insights for the success of both teachers and students.
Corled Nkosi, a self-taught electrical engineer from Malawi, has emerged as an inspiring figure in the field of energy generation. His remarkable journey began in his small village of Yobe Nkosi, where he recognized the dire consequences of energy poverty and took it upon himself to find innovative solutions. Through his determination and creativity, Nkosi has not only improved the lives of his fellow villagers but has also become an emblematic figure in the movement to end energy poverty worldwide.
SEA and its annual higher education competition program, the Switch International Energy Case Competition (SIECC), have taken a significant step this spring by assembling a Faculty Advisory Council (FAC). Comprising of 19 academic professionals from 5 countries, the FAC brings together a diverse group of experts with a wide range of research specialties. Their collective knowledge and experience will play a crucial role in developing and expanding SIECC.
SEA is thrilled to introduce its team of talented interns who are passionate about energy education and addressing global energy challenges.
Optim Energy, founded by a Sierra Leonean teen Jeremiah Thoronka, transforms vibrations from transportation and pedestrian activity into electricity.
Switch International Energy Case Competition (SIECC) sponsor Sempra published an article last week entitled “Tackling energy poverty with Switch Energy Alliance.” The article highlights the SIECC program and our talented case competition interns, Roopmati Meena and Shruti Prajapati.
Switch Classroom, SEA's K-12 online learning platform, has been making significant strides in empowering energy literacy among teachers and students.
In May, Tailwater Capital, the sponsor of the 2023 Switch International Energy Case Competition (SIECC), organized a Lunch & Learn event for its employees. The screening featured Switch On, the latest documentary feature film from SEA, which delves into the critical issues of energy access and energy poverty worldwide. Tailwater Capital's support of SIECC and their screening of Switch On exemplify their commitment to raising awareness and finding solutions for global energy challenges.
In May, SEA Chairman Dr. Scott Tinker traveled around the United States speaking about the dual challenge.
SEA is excited to welcome Cierra George as our Science Marketing and Communications Specialist.
The E-Dina Waterlight produces electrical energy using just saltwater!
This past Earth Day, the Exploration Place in Wichita, Kansas, played SEA’s museum film, Energy Makes Our World for the first time in our new dome format!
In April, SEA Chairman Dr. Scott Tinker traveled around the United States speaking about the dual challenge.
On March 31, 2023, SEA Chairman Dr. Scott Tinker presented at the University of Texas at Austin Kay Bailey Hutchison Energy Center’s 2023 Spring Conference.
On March 29, 2023, SEA Senior Fellow Dr. Helge Haldorsen presented at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs Business School’s Salem Center for Policy.
SEA Senior Fellow Dr. Helge Hove Haldorsen gives first SEA talk of 2023 at the Society of Petroleum Engineers Workshop in Austin.
Calling all Teachers! Show us why you love Switch Classroom and you could win a class visit with SEA Chairman, Dr. Scott Tinker.
A new and improved version of Switch Classroom is now live!
On November 29th, 2022 SEA participated in Giving Tuesday to raise money for Switch Classroom.
SEA Leaders Dr. Scott Tinker and Dr. Helge Hove Haldorsen were busy in 2022 speaking to audiences around the world!
The winners of the 2022 Switch International Energy Case Competition are announced!
Energy Switch has now expanded to more than 30 PBS stations and more than 160 PBS WORLD affiliates nationwide! Read more to see when it could be playing in your area!
SEA Chairman Dr. Scott Tinker was among the speakers at the Geological Society of America conference in Denver.
Last week, the Switch team attended two separate conferences to build partnerships for an energy-educated future.
SEA announces the hiring of new curriculum and product developer Meghan Morgan.
Woodside Energy recently hosted a company screening of Switch On.
The key points from SEA Chairman Dr. Scott Tinker's appearance on the Tangle podcast where he discussed the challenges that renewable energy faces transcribed into a six minute read.
SEA annouces the release date of our new, highly anticipated TV series Energy Switch.
SEA annouces the hiring of new Project Manager Carl Steffensen
This past week SEA hosted the 2022 Teacher Advisory Council Summer Institute In Austin. Teachers from around the country flew in and gave feedback to help us improve Switch Classroom, discussed Switch Classroom and current energy topics with SEA chairman Dr. Scott Tinker, and got to see some of what Austin has to offer.
Switch Energy Alliance Senior Fellow Dr. Helge Haldorsen gave an opening keynote at The European LPG Association’s Congress in Barcelona, Spain in front of energy industry professionals where he discussed the key factors for a sustainable energy transition by 2050 as well the dual challenge of providing energy to all people while protecting the environment.
SEA announces the hiring of new summer intern Sadie Armstrong
SEA annouces the hiring of new senior fellow Helge Haldorsen
An update on Cheyenne Valdez, who came to visit SEA six years ago as a high schooler, now beginning her career with NASA!
Dr. Scott Tinker recently met with students from the Switch Energy Club at the Universidad de Pamplona - Colombia to discuss solar panel installations and their contributions to ending energy poverty in Colombia.
SEA Chairman Dr. Scott Tinker gave a TEDx talk about the dual challenge of meeting global energy needs and protecting the environment.
SEA annonuces the hire of a new stratigeic growth lead, Laure Crane.
Dr. Scott Tinker had a conversation about global energy poverty and the energy transition with Jarand Rystad, CEO of Rystad Energy.
In addition to giving lectures around the world, Dr. Scott Tinker has made guest appearances on several energy-related podcasts.
SEA is proud to have provided funding for a solar installation project by students at the Universidad de Pamplona - Colombia.
Switch Energy Alliance is excited to announce the Energy Switch television series topics and guests.
Bring Switch On to your local theater, school or conference room.
Congratulations to the 2021 Switch International Energy Case Competition winners!
Congratulations to the 2021 Switch International Energy Case Competition finalists!
Switch Energy Alliance will be attending National Science Teaching Association conferences this fall!
Congratulations to the 2021 International Switch Energy Case Competition semi-finalists!
The new Solar for Schools application features Switch Energy Alliance's energy education videos.
The Switch International Energy Case Competition will hold a live panel with energy professionals this Saturday, October 23rd at 9AM CDT.
Switch Energy Alliance wraps production of Energy Switch, a new television series.
This month Switch Energy Alliance will be highlighting the important, and often overlooked, role that energy plays in our lives.
Dr. Scott Tinker is constantly presenting to energy groups in both the private and public sector. Check out these upcoming talks this fall.
Registration for the Second Annual Switch International Energy Case Competition is open 9/1 - 9/22.
Switch Energy Alliance will hold the Second Annual Switch International Energy Case Competition this fall.
Our UK-based partner, Solar for Schools, has released a new app that provides students with a detailed curriculum covering environment, energy, electricity, efficiency, solar power and more.
Switch Energy Alliance hosted the third annual Teacher Advisory Council (TAC) Summer Institute to collaborate on Switch Classroom projects.
SEA has released the short film Energy Makes Our World at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and will broaden to more museums.
Dr. Scott Tinker is constantly presenting to energy groups in both the private and public sector. Check out these upcoming talks this summer.
Switch Energy Alliance partnered with VAPA, Gente Capaz, and CITGO on an international student competition.
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Energy, Law & Business invited Dr. Scott Tinker to present about critical thinking for equitable energy at their Distinguished Lecture Series.
Switch Energy Alliance is excited to announce that Switch On: The Series is now available on EarthxTV On-Demand.
Switch Energy Alliance wants to wish educators everywhere a Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Special thanks to our Teacher Advisory Council for all of your incredible work.
We are so excited to announce the release of our new Energy Access Primers! Each video is under 3 minutes and takes a high-level tour of key energy challenges and solutions surrounding energy access around the globe.
SEA is thrilled to welcome Mary Tibbets to the Alliance as the new Manager of Educational Programs.
This Earth Day, Switch Energy Alliance is highlighting the importance of Modern Cooking on health, the climate, and the economy.
Switch On: The Series to premiere on EarthxTV during Earth Week 2021.
Dr. Scott Tinker is constantly presenting to energy groups in both the private and public sector. Check out these recent Tinker Talks in Q1 and upcoming talks in Q2.
The Pennsylvania Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee invited Dr. Scott Tinker to present on energy, the economy, and the environment on March 23, 2021.
Dr. Scott Tinker spoke with the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) on critical thinking for equitable energy on March 17th, 2021.
March Educator Roundup: Accompany award-winning film, Switch, with our classroom activities and discussion guides.
Dr. Scott Tinker presented to the Enerplus Corporation on critical thinking for equitable energy on March 10th, 2021.
Dr. Scott Tinker presented to the Houston Energy Finance Group (HEFG) and Acquisitions, Divestitures and Mergers (ADAM) in January 2021 on the future of sustainable energy.
Dr. Chris Keefer invited Dr. Scott Tinker to discuss the future of the energy transition on the Decouple Podcast.
Our thoughts are with all the families affected by the severe cold and the power and water outages in Texas and the greater region.
2020 Switch International Energy Case Competition participant Rajani Shrestha was recently selected for the final round of this year's NASO (Nepal Astronomical Society) Women in Science Award.
Judges from the energy industry chose the Switch International Energy Case Competition winners during the live finals event streamed on Facebook.
Be a part of an energy-educated future! Stay up to date with all things SEA, and learn how you can join the alliance and make your mark.