Western Illinois University says its new wind turbine will do more than just offset some of its golf course's electrical load.

The university says the 70 foot, 2.4 kilowatt turbine will serve as an on-site classroom for high school and junior high students from around the state.

The turbine installed Dec. 6 near the university's golf course is part of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs' Illinois Wind for Schools project. The program helps Illinois high schools and middle schools incorporate wind energy into their curricula.

Most of the funding came from a $28,000 state grant.

The Rural Affairs Institute's wind energy program coordinator, Jolene Willis, says the aim is to help prepare students for renewable energy careers.