In the Spring of 2020, GCC3011/5011: Pathways to Renewable Energy examined the obstacles to energy transitions at different scales. The course explored the role of energy in society, the physics of energy, how energy systems were created and how they function, and how the markets, policies, and regulatory frameworks for energy systems in the US developed. Students learned the drivers that can lead global systems to change despite powerful constraints and how local and institutional action enables broader reform. Ranging from energy efficient aquarium systems to solar backpacks, the students researched and developed their own pieces on parts of the energy systems that are important to them. Below are student blogs from the course exploring pertinent issues in energy and new technology to facilitate the clean energy transition.