A new non-profit that will teach seventh-and eighth-grade students about green technologies launched its after-school pilot program Tuesday at Lemont High School.

State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves, and representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy, CITGO, Argonne and Lemont High School were all on hand to celebrate the kickoff of Project Infinite Green, a new initiative that will give 18 students the opportunity to participate in field studies, research projects and think tanks related to environmental sustainability.

The program was initiated by Lemont resident Catherine Greenspon, who has recruited a long list of sponsors that includes the Durkin, the Department of Energy, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, Sen. Christine Radogno  (R-Lemont), Argonne National Laboratory, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and CITGO, which donated $10,000 toward the development of the curriculum.

Lessons will be a mix of field trips, guest speakers, classroom discussions and hands-on activities. Planned trips include tours of a hydroelectric plant and a waste management facility.

The program will run from Oct. 4 through April 22, and will be led by Lemont High School Science Chair Tim Leffler and Environmental Science teacher Zach Huber.. At the end of the program, the participants will be mentored by a community leader to develop a green business plan for an energy-related product or process.

CLICK HERE for more on Project Infinite Green.