A key goal of the Hybrid Horsepower for Kentucky Schools project was engagement of industry, student, educator, and other community stakeholders in exposure to the hybrid-electric technology. Bus and hybrid system manufacturers and the Kentucky Department of Education partnered to provide hands-on training to school district superintendents, transportation directors, mechanics, school bus drivers, students, and teachers about the hybrid school bus technology.
Over the length of the project over forty hands-on in person training sessions were provided to hundreds of people across the state. Each of the thirty five districts receiving buses underwent training sessions provided by Eaton, the hybrid-system manufacturer, to school district superintendents and transportation directors, technicians and first responders. In addition, Eaton provided three additional training sessions to certify school district technicians to work on the hybrid-electric system.
The National Energy Education Development (NEED) project provided three cross-disciplinary curriculum trainings for primary and secondary school teachers. Approximately 70 teachers across 40 districts received cross-disciplinary K-12 hybrid system curriculum training in 2012-2013, including Science, Math, English, and Social Studies.
The ongoing data collection process required continuous engagement between the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition, the Kentucky Department of Education, the Kentucky Department of Transportation, and school district Transportation Directors.