As part of the $9 million RFP for additional grants, the SUNY university system will explore opportunities for partnerships with state and local agencies to meet critical workforce needs of New York’s clean energy industry.
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced $15 million is available to fund two initiatives that will promote clean energy workforce development and training programs on SUNY campuses. Nearly $6 million was awarded to SUNY campuses to train more workers in the clean energy sector. In addition, a request for proposals was made available to all SUNY campuses for grants totaling $9 million to provide apprenticeships, internships, and educational programs and support through industry partnerships across the state. These initiatives are part of Climate Jobs NY, a component of Clean Climate Careers initiative.
“As the federal government moves further away from responsible energy policy and clean energy production, New York is committed to fighting climate change and protecting our environment,” Governor Cuomo said. “We will continue to take bold action to promote clean energy across the state and support job growth in cutting-edge, renewable industries.”
“Funding for clean energy and workforce development programs at SUNY campuses across the state will help to promote environmental protection,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who delivered today’s announcement. “Unlike the federal government, New York is advancing ambitious clean energy goals to address the important issue of climate change. These training programs will continue to support the industry and prepare individuals for jobs of the future.”
As part of the $9 million RFP for additional grants, the SUNY university system will explore opportunities for partnerships with state and local agencies, including the Department of Labor, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Empire State Development, and Industrial Development Agencies. These partnerships will aim to meet existing and emerging critical workforce needs of New York’s clean energy industry, drive regional economic development, and provide hands-on learning to students.
Up to $1 million of the RFP is allocated specifically for Community College Regional Council awards to develop events and workshops that will facilitate partnerships between clean energy industry players and SUNY community colleges in the region, share best practices amongst community colleges on curricula materials and tools to accelerate the pace of clean energy workforce development, and plan regional strategies to promote a culture of environmental sustainability.
“The alarms have sounded again and again on the consequences of climate change, overdependence on fossil fuels, and increased energy use and costs,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “SUNY is proud to provide high-quality, hands-on, and the most up-to-date clean energy education and training to our students, building a diverse, preeminent talent pipeline for today and tomorrow’s clean energy industry in New York State. We are proud to be a part of the governor’s long-term energy solution.”
“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York continues to make significant investments in projects and initiatives that reduce the state’s carbon footprint, ensure strong employment growth, and support our growing clean energy economy,” said Richard Kauffman, Chair of Energy and Finance for New York State. “Investing in workforce development and training programs on SUNY campuses will help prepare our next generation of clean energy workers to meet the workforce demands of an expanding and innovative job market.”
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