Schools
American Association of University Women 2008 Grant Winner to Visit Madison Library
The Madison Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host Francesca Drago on Monday, April 4th, 2011 at 8 p.m.
The program will be held at the Madison Public Library – Chase Room (Keep Street in Madison) and is open to the public. Francesca is the owner-operator of Gold Star Solar Services (GS3), a Madison-based business that provides services to the solar energy sector and other technical industries. She has installed solar panels atop a 20-story rooftop in Manhattan as well as edited a solar company Web site from the safety of her office chair.
She is a 2008 AAUW Mature Women’s Grant recipient, who began studying photovoltaics (i.e., how to produce clean, renewable energy from light) in 2007 and earned several certificates in its design and maintenance during the next few years by attending classes at the College of Environmental Science & Forestry (Syracuse U) and Center for Sustainable Energy in the Bronx, to name a few.
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Her goal was not only to transition from a career in publishing but also to be a part of the so-called green revolution, enabling her to proactively participate in reducing fossil fuel emissions, which contribute to climate change.
Drago went on to pass her NABCEP exam, administered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, and obtained its entry-level certification. She also tutored adult photovoltaic (PV) students in exam prep.
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One of her most satisfying experiences was to volunteer as a teaching assistant for “I Love PV,” a course for students at Manhattan Comprehensive Night & Day High School and, most recently, to teach 8th-graders at Madison Junior High about solar energy.
AAUW Madison branch members are looking forward to her update regarding her business and many accomplishments. We are pleased that through our Mature Women’s Grant program we were able to support her in furthering her education.
The Branch is currently accepting applications for its 2011 AAUW Madison Mature Women’s Grant. Applications are available online at our website below, at the financial aid offices of Drew University, College of St. Elizabeth, Fairleigh Dickenson U. and County College of Morris and local libraries. Completed applications must be received by the Grant Committee on or before April 8, 2011.
