Colleges Learning How to Promote Sustainable Energy

This month's features section highlights how renewable energy-related funding is transforming college campuses. From an increase in renewable energy course offerings to new programs that support energy efficiency, schools are turning a new page of sustainability. These new course studies give traditional college-age students a chance to begin their working lives in a renewable-related field or the classes can motivate mid-career professionals to forge a new path.
At Laramie County Community College in Wyoming, you can earn an associate's degree to work as a wind technician, and at four separate universities in Ohio, you can further your career by earning a master's degree to prepare for a job in the biofuels industry.
Having renewable energy training and knowledge is bound to come in handy as these students eventually begin looking for work in the industry. President Obama gave another boost to the field when he announced $2.3 billion in tax credits for clean tech manufacturing and jobs. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis has also announced $150 million in training grants to prepare workers for these renewable or energy efficiency industries.
Some of the newest clean energy jobs are now being highlighted on DOE's new Energy Empowers Web site. Those who are still seeking jobs in the industry can now find current openings via a new interactive jobs map or explore what qualifications employers are seeking.