Everything is bigger in Texas, and energy is no exception. From our iconic oil fields and striking wind farms to pioneering dams, Texas has long stood at the forefront of energy innovation. Yet, in a place where energy seems abundant, it’s easy to take it for granted. That’s where the Smart Energy Education (SEE) program made its mark. For nearly a decade, the SEE program inspired students across Texas to explore energy, sustainability, and innovation.
Built on a shared vision of education, community, and technological progress, SEE empowered young people to understand where energy comes from, how it’s used, and why it matters. By connecting classroom learning to real-world challenges, SEE encouraged students to think critically about the role energy plays in shaping our environment and future careers. Through educational resources, networking, and scholarships, the program built a bridge between energy curiosity and STEM careers, creating pathways to innovation and sustainability.
The Power of Partnership
The success of SEE stemmed from powerful partnerships among education, research, and industry leaders. CPS Energy and Itron, Inc. brought the program to life through their shared commitment to innovation and community investment. As the nation’s largest community-owned electric and natural gas utility, CPS Energy has long supported San Antonio’s growth through reliability and sustainability. Its involvement in SEE reflected that mission, ensuring local students had the chance to explore how energy systems shape their world and to envision their place in the city’s growing energy future.
Itron, Inc., a global leader in energy and water management, partnered with CPS Energy to expand SEE’s reach. Guided by its mission to create a more resourceful world, Itron contributed industry expertise and insight into energy innovation, helping students connect sustainability, technology, and real-world problem solving. The University of Texas at Austin also played a key role. By linking university research and outreach with K–12 education, UT helped prepare a new generation of students for careers in energy and sustainability. Dr. Michael E. Webber, professor and energy expert, shaped SEE’s mission of making energy education accessible and inspiring for learners of all backgrounds.
Together, these partners created an educational ecosystem that united academic research, community engagement, and industry innovation, showing how shared goals can spark meaningful change.
Investing in San Antonio’s Future
Since 2016, the SEE Scholarship Program has awarded more than $800,000 to over 50 students pursuing STEM degrees across Texas. Supported by CPS Energy and Itron and managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, these scholarships opened doors for students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue higher education in science, technology, and engineering. Beyond financial assistance, the program fostered confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of community. Many SEE scholars have gone on to build careers in clean energy, sustainability, and advanced technology, strengthening San Antonio’s energy workforce and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Energy and water are the world’s most vital resources, and understanding how they connect, the Energy-Water Nexus, is essential for ensuring the future. Building on SEE’s legacy, Itron’s new Resourcefulness Digital Badge makes this knowledge accessible to everyone. Being resourceful means understanding how we use energy and water, and choosing to use them wisely. It’s about finding smarter, more efficient, and sustainable ways to power our world.
A Legacy That Lives On
Although the SEE program has concluded, its impact continues to resonate. The collaboration between Itron, CPS Energy, UT Austin, and Dr. Webber remains a powerful example of how education, industry, and community can work together to create lasting opportunities. SEE proved that when students are given the tools and inspiration to engage with energy issues, they don’t just learn about the future; they help create it.
