The Strategic Energy Institute is engaged in a broad range of activities to promote better understanding of the complex energy challenges facing our world. Educational outreach programs, such as the massive open online course (MOOC) Energy 101, Energy for Staffers, and the Energy Club foster responsible stewardship of our energy resources and support broader engagement in the development of sustainable, affordable, and reliable solutions to our growing global energy needs – from generation, to distribution, to use.

Massive Open Online Course

The Strategic Energy Institute launched its first MOOC, Energy 101, in 2012.  Led by  Sam V. Shelton, Ph.D., the Strategic Energy Institute’s principal research engineer, Energy 101 was the first MOOC to provide a big picture overview of the energy landscape. More than 30,000 people worldwide enrolled during the initial launch of the course offered through Coursera. The course was reintroduced by popular demand in 2014. It provides perspective and context for today’s energy headlines with regard to energy sources and use; technological trends; and the societal, economic, and environmental implications of these changes.

Energy for Staffers

Adapted from the successful Energy 101 format to meet the needs of state and federal energy staffers, this forum is designed to provide elected officials with perspective and context related to the complex issues surrounding today’s energy headlines. Through this forum, Georgia Tech faculty members essentially arm policymakers with the technical knowledge needed to make informed policy decisions. The first Georgia-focused Energy for Staffers forum was held in Atlanta in September 2013. Planning is underway for the first federally focused forum in 2014.

Student Energy Club

The Student Energy Club at Georgia Tech brings together students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals in a forum that allows for interaction, discussion, exchange of innovative ideas, and networking.

Academics - Energy Minor

Georgia Tech's Colleges and Schools offer a wide range of coursework to prepare future leaders to address our most urgent energy challenges- from improving the technologies for conventional and renewable energy sources to exploring their environmental and economic impacts on the world. The Energy Systems Minor provides multidisciplinary opportunities for students in aerospace, electrical and computer engineering, industrial and systems engineering, and mechanical engineering to enhance subject-specific knowledge while gaining an integrative understanding of  complex energy issues. These courses are intended to add breadth of knowledge in areas outside the student's major but important to energy systems. A terminal "capstone" or project course provides an opportunity for students from multiple disciplines to work together in multidisciplinary teams on a significant project in the energy area.​ To download the application, click here.