2021 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Over the course of five months, CELI Fellows will explore the fundamentals of clean energy technology, policy, and finance, and be challenged to look critically at inequities and power dynamics in clean energy systems, challenges, and solutions. Fellows will also participate in skill-building workshops in public speaking, persuasive writing, business pitching, and advocating for policy changes, and explore the practice of Adaptive Leadership. 

The program structure includes:

  • An opening orientation, where Fellows will virtually gather for two days to connect with one another, learn some of the values and approaches of leading in clean energy, set goals for our work together in the coming year, and dive right into content through our sessions in the Evolution of the U.S. Electricity System and Introduction Environmental Justice and Energy Inequities.

  • Educational modules with weekly sessions that will consist of a mixture of readings, lectures with expert practitioners, panel discussions with leaders in the field, hands-on activities, and small group discussions to build community and connection among Fellows. 

  • Leadership Training and Skill Development workshops. These Saturday sessions will focus on transferable skills, Adaptive Leadership practices, and challenge Fellows to think critically about their role in the energy transition.

  • A required Capstone project through which Fellows actively develop and hone their skills as a clean energy leader. Fellows are able to choose from the following Capstone projects:

    • Blog: A 600 to 800-word blog thought piece on a clean energy topic of choice. Fellows will receive guidance and edits from an assigned writing advisor on their topic, as well as assistance on pitching their blogs to industry publications. 

    • Business Pitch: Fellows will have 5 minutes to propose a new clean energy business or non-profit in front of a panel of expert judges and CELI’s extended network. 

    • TED-Style Presentation: Fellows will have 5 minutes to take the stage and present on a clean energy topic of their choice to CELI’s extended network. 

  • A closing residency, where Fellows reflect on insights gained and lessons learned and prepare for future action in the clean energy economy.  Fellows will also have a chance to help CELI shape its future programming.

Unless otherwise noted, Fellowship Sessions will be held at the following times:

  • Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm local time for the D.C., Bay Area, Chicago, and New York City Cohorts.

  • Monday evenings from 4:30-6:30 pm PT  /  7:30-9:30 pm ET for the National Cohort.

CURRICULUM AT-A-GLANCE

May 1, 2021: Optional 2021 Fellow Welcome Reception

Orientation: May 21 - May 22, 2021 (All Cohorts)

  • Introduction to CELI, Goals of the Fellowship Program, and Envisioning a Resilient, Equitable, and Decarbonized Energy Ecosystem

  • Introduction to CELI’s Approach to Adaptive Leadership & Development

  • Evolution of the U.S. Energy System: Fundamentals of the Electricity System

  • Introduction to Environmental Justice + Historic & Existing Energy Inequities

Markets + Finance Module: May 24 - June 9, 2021

  • Electricity Wholesale Markets

  • Electricity Ratemaking and Equitable Rate Design

  • Financing the Clean Energy Transition

Skills Development: June 14 or 16, 2021 

  • Writing Workshop

Technology Module: June 21 - July 7*

  • Clean Energy Technology Landscape

  • Next-Generation Technology Innovation and Accessibility 

  • Grid Technology and Modernization

  • Technologies in Practice: Building a Clean Energy Future

Skills + Leadership Developing: Saturday, July 10, 2021 

  • Public Speaking

Policy Module: July 12 - July 28, 2021

  • Federal, State, and Local Policymaking and Process

  • An Overview of Clean Energy Policies and Mechanisms 

  • Case Studies, Stakeholder Mapping, Coalition Building, and Advocacy 

Skills Development: August 2 or 4, 2021

  • Business Pitch Workshop

Leadership Development Training: Saturday, August 7, 2021 (All Cohorts)

Deep Decarbonization Module: August 9 - August 25, 2021

  • Transportation of the future: Beyond light-duty vehicles

  • Building decarbonization: Beyond LEED

  • Heavy industry decarbonization: Beyond Energy Efficiency

  • Carbon removal: Beyond Trees

Social Adaptation Module: August 30 - September 14**, 2021

  • Corporate View: Investments, Procurements, and ESG

  • Resilience, Mutual Aid, and Energy Security

  • Building a Just Transition: Labor and Clean Energy

Skills Development: Advocacy Training, September 20/22, 2021

Fellow Capstone Nights: September 21 & 23, 2021 (All Cohorts)

  • Presentation Night

  • Business Pitch Night

Fellowship Closing Residency: Saturday, September 25, 2021 (All Cohorts)

*CELI will host the National Fellowship on Tuesday, July 6th for Fourth of July travel. 

**CELI will host sessions for all cohorts on Thursday, September 9, and Tuesday, September 14 for City-Based cohorts to accommodate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Please note this curriculum is subject to slight changes at the discretion of CELI, and indicates material in the overall module, not an individual session.