Grassroots Idea by Ecotech Institute Student Inspires Float

1. Media Contact: Jenny Foust Communications Strategy Group303.433.7020 (o) or 720.244.4268 (c) jfoust@csg-pr.com Grassroots Idea by Ecotech Institute Student Inspires Float in The Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade About 150 students, staff and friends expected to participate in the parade to make it truly “green” Denver, CO, March 13, 2014 - Chris Stevens, an Ecotech Institute student, wanted to help pickup recycling along The Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade route in order to keep this favoritegreen holiday truly as “green” as possible. He took his idea to parade organizers and fromthere it turned into a float in the parade that could gather recycling along the route.Students and staff at Ecotech Institute rallied around Chris and today they are making finalpreparations on the float, which will include a student made recycling bin to collect allrecyclables collected during the parade, a truck outfitted with solar panels and a windturbine. “It has been remarkable watching my vision come to life,” said Chris. “I originally just wanted to help pick up trash and it’s turned into so much more. Building our Eco-Float hasbeen an exciting adventure that brought several students together in great ways and I’m soproud of what we’ve put together. Our efforts will keep the parade route much cleaner.” Ecotech Institute is the first and only school in the U.S. that is solely dedicated to sustainable energy, such as solar and wind. Chris is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering technology and will graduate this April. For him, this idea was simple, but sendsa powerful message. “We have to care about not only where our energy is coming from as we look ahead, butalso how we’re taking care of our planet today. Small changes can make a difference andwe’re excited to help divert trash from the landfill - giving it a second life,” said Chris. To see images of the float’s progress you can keep up with the construction team byfollowing Ecotech’s social media updates on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EcotechInstitute and Twitter at @Ecotech_Inst. Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colo., currently offers eight associate’s degree programs:

2. • Facility Management Technology • Energy Efficiency • Solar Energy Technology • Wind Energy Technology • Renewable Energy Technology • Electrical Energy Technology • Power Utility Technician • Business Administration - Sustainability For more information on Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com. About Ecotech Institute Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver,Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that providegraduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classesstart once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is availableto those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America.For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576. ###