The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (CEC) is offering nearly $1 million in grants to increase the ability of Massachusetts vocational-technical high schools, colleges and universities, and community-based nonprofit groups to meet the workforce development needs of the commonwealth's clean energy sector.
Grants are financed with funds appropriated by the Legislature last year for the Massachusetts Alternative and Clean Energy Investment Trust Fund.
Working in collaboration with the Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public workforce development agency affiliated with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the CEC plans to award grants of $75,000 to $200,000 for proposals to enhance, expand or create programs that build the clean energy workforce development capacity of higher education institutions, vocational-technical high schools and community-based organizations.
Projects eligible for funding include equipment purchased to support hands-on training, curriculum development to enhance existing courses and programs or establish ones, and professional development to improve the skills and knowledge of faculty and instructional staff.
Grant applicants must partner with at least two Massachusetts clean energy businesses and are strongly encouraged to form partnerships with other entities that are experienced in workforce education and clean energy.
Grant applications are due to the Commonwealth Corporation by noon on July 2. Funded programs are expected to begin in late summer and last through December 2010.
For more information, visit masscec.com.
SOURCE: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
