A program aimed at educating South Dakota kids about wind energy, just got a $20,000 boost. It seems a pair of wind energy developers decided the Wind for Schools program was worth the investment.

While some might consider the South Dakota wind a nuisance, more and more are seeing it as a source of opportunity. Giant wind turbines are popping up all over the South Dakota plains offering a new energy alternative. But recently, a smaller version of the turbines, went up on the campus of Sanborn Central School in Forestburg. It's part of a new program called "Wind for Schools". Eight South Dakota schools were selected to get the turbines, including Memorial Middle School in Sioux Falls. The goal: to help our kids learn about wind energy at an early age and inspire them to pursue careers like electrical and mechanical engineering.

Recently, the program got a boost, thanks to two big donations. Wind energy developers Babcock & Brown and Iberdrola Renewables each pledged $10,000 to support the program. Organizers say that money will help schools who might be feeling a pinch because of unexpected increases in the cost of construction materials for the turbines. The Wind for Schools program was spear-headed by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission.