A student stands on a truck bed as she passes solar panels to another student on a blue sky day.
School of Business

Light Up The World: Make Global Impact

Powering change through sustainable energy.

In Western’s Energy Management program, you’ll apply your skills to real-world projects through a partnership with Light Up The World (LUTW). Students travel to remote communities—like those in the Peruvian Andes—to install solar panels and bring reliable electricity to areas in need. Since 2016, Western students have gained hands-on experience with solar technology while immersing themselves in local culture and addressing global energy challenges.

LUTW Website
Students work on solar panels for rural residents in the andes.

Empower Communities. Build Your Future.

Western’s partnership with Light Up The World (LUTW) gives Energy Management students the chance to take their learning far beyond campus. In this immersive, field-based experience, you’ll travel to underserved communities—such as those in the Peruvian Andes—to design and install off-grid solar systems that provide reliable, sustainable power. You won’t just observe—you’ll lead system planning, troubleshoot real-world technical challenges, and assess long-term outcomes.

This opportunity gives you a competitive edge in the renewable energy field while broadening your global perspective. As you work side by side with local partners and experience the transformative power of energy access, you’ll build a resume filled with technical achievements, cultural awareness, and meaningful community engagement—setting you apart in any sustainability-focused career path.

Content Card Image

Engage in a Real-World Sustainability Project

As part of this initiative, you’ll travel to remote locations, such as the Peruvian Andes, to install solar panels and develop energy-efficient solutions. You’ll be actively involved in every phase of the project, from system design to implementation and assessment, giving you practical experience with renewable energy technology.

A student stands on a truck bed as she passes solar panels to another student on a blue sky day.

Develop Technical and Problem-Solving Skills

By working directly with solar power systems, you’ll refine your skills in energy management, problem-solving, and sustainable infrastructure. These experiences provide a solid foundation for careers in renewable energy, environmental consulting, and sustainability-focused industries.

Students and other participants in Light Up The World post for a group photo on site of one of their projects in Peru.

Gain a Global Perspective on Energy Challenges

This immersive experience extends beyond technical skills, offering the chance to engage with different cultures and understand the realities of energy access worldwide. By working alongside local communities, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the role of energy in improving quality of life and driving sustainable development.

A student speaks to an employer at an energy management career fair.

Enhance Your Resume and Career Readiness

Employers in the energy sector seek candidates with hands-on project experience. Your work with LUTW will showcase your ability to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and technical expertise—all valuable assets in the job market.

See Western's students in the news.

  • Energy Management Students Help Light Up The World

    Energy Management Students Help Light Up The World

    Installing solar panels high in the Peruvian Andes provides more than just electricity It took a few days for the small team from Western Colorado…
    Read More

Turn Classroom Knowledge Into Real-World Impact

Western’s partnership with Light Up The World (LUTW) offers Energy Management students a powerful opportunity to apply their skills in the field—bringing sustainable energy to communities that need it most. This hands-on experience lets you take part in every phase of a renewable energy project, from system design to solar panel installation and performance assessment.

Here are just a few of the real-world experiences students have gained through LUTW:

  • Traveling to remote communities like the Peruvian Andes to implement off-grid solar power

  • Collaborating with local residents and organizations to meet unique energy needs

  • Gaining practical experience with solar technology, system planning, and troubleshooting

  • Immersing in diverse cultures while addressing global energy access challenges

  • Building technical and leadership skills that translate directly to careers in sustainability, energy, and environmental innovation

A student stands on a truck bed as she passes solar panels to another student on a blue sky day.

Ready to Make a Global Impact?

Through Western’s partnership with Light Up The World, students turn their skills into action—bringing solar energy to communities in need and gaining real-world experience in the process.

Plan a Visit