RIDGWAY – Teacher Matt Wade and a group of students from Ridgway High School had a big idea. Recognizing the need for renewable energy education in Ouray County, and wanting to learn in a hands-on, innovative way, they came up with this: Studying solar energy by installing a 10-watt solar panel on the roof of the school to generate enough energy to power a student-made iPod listening station in the student lounge.

The concept, in step with Mosaic Community Project’s mission to provide educational opportunities related to sustainable living practices and environmental awareness in Ouray County, Colorado, is partly funded by a $375 grant from the Telluride Foundation that covers roughly 36 percent of the total cost.

The program supports MCP’s stated purpose to complement local public schools, and establish earth friendly initiatives and awareness campaigns. First conceived of by San Miguel Power Association’s Hart Gleason, the solar project came into focus with input from Ridgway Secondary School Field Trip Program Coordinator; Alternative Power Enterprises’ Jill Markey and Leif Juell; and Ridgway High School teachers Ty Helgenberger and Adam Johnson.

Interested parties can apply to MCP for up to $500 in grant monies for other Big Ideas, by visiting www.mosaiccp.org (or emailing mosaic.community.project@gmail.com.)

MCP is a nonprofit organization taking as its mission to “operate with dedication to promoting education, the visual and performing arts, sustainable living practices and environmental awareness” in Ouray County.