Governor Announces Funding for High School Clean Energy Training Programs

April, 2014

 High School Clean Energy Training Programs

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo this month announced awards totaling $1.1 million for five clean-energy training programs that will help prepare high school students for post-secondary education and careers in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced technology. The funds are in line with the vision to scale-up clean energy and foster a clean energy workforce by supporting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) training.

“New York has been investing in the industries of tomorrow and now we are preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow,” Governor Cuomo said.

These training programs will give young New Yorkers a path to exciting employment opportunities here in our state. This program will continue to make New York a national leader in the clean energy and technology industries.

The STEM-based training incorporates diverse approaches to delivering STEM-focused energy content for high school students, including career and technical education experiences, Early College High School (ECHS) programs and career exploration programs in energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced technology. The awards were made through a competitive solicitation and are administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

CEO of NYSERDA John B. Rhodes said, “This funding will help strengthen the academic pipeline from high school to college to career and provide more opportunities for students interested in the field of clean energy. These programs highlight how the State, under Governor Cuomo, is making STEM education a priority and acknowledging the importance of it in helping our students succeed in the 21st century global economy.”

Funding was awarded to the following organizations:

New York City Department of Education, Office of Post-Secondary Readiness ($399,000):

Training for a total of approximately 480 students in Grades 9-12 in four New York City Schools: Energy Tech High School, the High School for Energy and Technology, Coop Tech, and the High School for Construction Trades, Engineering, and Architecture; industry certification for eligible students; training for teachers, guidance counselors, and staff; career development to establish connections to local clean-energy employers; school sustainability projects that will lead to energy awareness and behavioral change at school and home; and incorporation of energy curricula into each school’s programming.

Ballston Spa Central School District, Capital Region ($200,000):

Training for an estimated 110 students through the existing Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries ECHS program, where juniors and seniors earn college credit in collaboration with Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC); expansion of the ECHS program to include participation of approximately 60 students in Grades 9 and 10 during the 2014-15 school year; increased marketing of the program to at-risk and underrepresented youth; job shadowing, mentoring, and business/industry field experiences; focus on STEM-related fields and an emphasis on preparation for industry certifications and associate’s and/or bachelor’s degree programs; and development of enhanced staff training and a model site for teacher training.

Buffalo City School District ($199,000):

Training for a total of approximately 126 students in Grades 10 through 12 in the following programs: Green Technology at Olmsted High School at Kensington, Electricity at McKinley High School, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning at McKinley High; opportunities for high school students to earn college credit in collaboration with Erie Community College and the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Technology at Alfred; job shadowing, mentoring, and work-based learning experiences; training for middle school students and guidance staff on clean-energy education and career opportunities; and training for teachers in the latest advances in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced technology.

Rensselaer, Columbia, Greene Board of Cooperative Educational Services (Questar III) ($199,000):

Training for an estimated 125 students in Grades 9-12 at the following sites: Rensselaer Educational Center, Columbia Greene Educational Center, Tech Valley High School, and Rensselaer High School; development of project-based curricula integrating virtual and hands-on exercises in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced technology; collaboration with SUNY Morrisville to create and offer an online course providing college credit for high school students; continued work with HVCC, allowing high school students to earn college credits; industry presentations, job shadowing, and mentoring opportunities; and staff development for high school teachers.

Copenhagen Central School District, North Country ($200,000):

Training for approximately 100 students at four schools: Copenhagen Central School, LaFargeville Central School, Belleville Henderson Central School, and Lyme Central School; development and implementation of college credit online courses in collaboration with Jefferson Community College and SUNY Canton; an online sustainable energy high school course to be piloted at Copenhagen Central School District; staff development workshops for middle and high school teachers, Cooperative Extension educators, and volunteers; job shadowing, mentoring, and internship opportunities for students; and a one-day Community Energy Symposium.

NYSERDA has supported energy efficiency and renewable energy workforce development and training initiatives since 1998, training more than 30,000 participants, and has a network of more than 70 clean energy training providers across the state, including community colleges, State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY), Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and non-profit training entities. Workforce development and training initiatives include basic and advanced technical training, career pathways, on-the-job training, internships and apprenticeships. NYSERDA has provided more than $39 million through 2006 – 2011 for workforce development training with $43 million planned for 2012- 2016.

For more information on NYSERDA’s workforce development and training programs, visit nyserda.ny.gov/workforce.

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