Light up a classroom in 2026 with an API x Solar Buddy (Junior Buddy Kit)
- Stephanie Somerville
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
If your team loves getting out into schools, or you’ve been meaning to run an outreach session but weren’t sure where to start, this is your moment.
API has teamed up with Solar Buddy again in 2025, and we’re inviting member organisations and Power Ambassadors to grab a Junior Buddy Kit and brighten up a classroom in your community.
These kits sell out every year, and we only have a limited batch available for the first half of 2025. If you want in, now’s the time to put your name down.
What is a Junior Buddy Kit and why is it so good
A Junior Buddy Kit is a ready-to-go outreach package built for hands-on learning. Each kit includes:
25 solar lights for students to build
Student-friendly learning materials that explore energy access and engineering
A simple guide to help your team run an engaging classroom session
It’s practical, fun, and makes engineering feel real. Students walk away understanding how energy changes lives, and you walk away knowing you’ve sparked curiosity about the power industry.
Perfect for Power Ambassadors and outreach champions
If you’re already an API Power Ambassador, this is tailor-made for you. The activity aligns perfectly with the Ambassador role: inspiring young people, sharing your own career story, and showing how power engineers make a difference.
If you’re not a Power Ambassador yet, this is a great reason to join. Your registration gives you access to API child-safety training and a bunch of resources to help you feel confident walking into a classroom.
A great fit for any member organisation
Junior Buddy Kits are available to API member organisations planning school visits between January and June. They work brilliantly for:
STEM and careers days
Guest talks at local schools
Regional outreach
Community impact programs
Bringing your early career engineers into the classroom
If your team hasn’t done school engagement before, don’t stress. The activity is structured, easy to run, and kids absolutely love it.
Want to take part but don’t have a school locked in
No worries. If your organisation is keen but hasn’t yet connected with a school, API can reach out to Solar Buddy to help link you with a participating classroom. You just need the enthusiasm, we’ll help with the rest.
Key dates to aim for
Planning outreach around national events can give your activity an extra boost. Great times to run a Junior Buddy session include:
National Careers Week in May
International Women in Engineering Day in June
Both are perfect opportunities to showcase real-world power engineering careers.
How to get your kit
It’s simple: complete the short Expression of Interest form and we’ll allocate kits on a first-in basis while stock lasts.
These kits always go quickly, so if you want one for your team, submit your EOI now.
Let’s inspire the next generation together
Every time an API member walks into a classroom, we strengthen the future pipeline of power talent. A single session can kick-start a career, change a student’s understanding of engineering, or plant a seed that grows years later.
Grab a kit, run a session, and help us light up Australia’s future energy workforce.
Ready to get started? Put your hand up for a Junior Buddy Kit today.
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