Eight schools in South Dakota, including Douglas and Faith school districts in western South Dakota, have been picked for a wind energy program that teaches students the fundamentals of the renewable source.

Wind for Schools is designed to provide tools, build knowledge and form interest in wind energy at all levels, said Gary Hanson, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission chairman.

One school from eight selected districts will have a small wind turbine installed, receive specific curricula and be supported by local utility providers.

Districts include Douglas, Sanborn Central, Faith, Selby, Aberdeen, Elkton, Stanley County and Sioux Falls. The eight schools were selected out of 32 that applied.

The PUC expects the program to expand over the next several years, giving more schools the chance to participate.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory provided a resource and site assessment for each applicant. The PUC coordinated the application process for the program and arranged for financial and other support from utility providers.

"I think the Wind for Schools program has real potential to be a success story for South Dakota," said Steve Kolbeck, PUC vice chairman. "The schools' administration and teachers are excited about the project and local utility providers have pledged their support and enthusiasm as well. I envision the entire community rallying around this project," he said.

The Wind Application Center at South Dakota State University will check each selected site, oversee the turbine and equipment installation and provide other technical help.

Wind for Schools is a national outreach program from Wind Powering America, a component of the U.S. Department of Energy, and NREL.