Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the second round of nearly $4 million in Offshore Wind Training Institute grants awarded for workforce development. The funding supports eight State University of New York campus-led programs designed to prepare students for careers in this emerging offshore wind industry. The winning programs will expand workforce development and training initiatives for jobs in constructing, manufacturing, installing, operating and maintaining offshore wind farms. Governor Hochul previously announced the first round of $4 million for Offshore Wind Training Institute grants in May 2023. In total, $8 million for 28 grants has been awarded across SUNY campuses.
“As New York State continues to lead the nation in our transition to clean energy, the Offshore Wind Training Institute is helping to ensure our state’s workforce is prepared to fill the jobs we need to reach our ambitious energy goals,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this grant program, we are equipping students with the tools they need to fill the clean energy jobs of the future and build a greener New York for generations to come."
The $20 million OWTI was launched in 2020 in collaboration with SUNY’s Farmingdale State College and Stony Brook University and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to advance offshore wind training programs and the educational infrastructure needed to establish a skilled workforce that can support the emerging national offshore wind industry. Including this round, the OWTI has awarded $8 million for 28 grants distributed across all sectors and regions of the SUNY system with individual awards up to $500,000.
In this second round, grants were allocated to 12 programs at eight SUNY campuses including: University at Albany, University at Buffalo, Farmingdale State College, Hudson Valley Community College, SUNY Morrisville, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and Stony Brook University.
Applicants for these grants were asked to apply under one or more "priority focus areas," which include expanding existing SUNY curricula relevant to offshore wind; responding to rapid, targeted training needs; and addressing barriers to entry. Proposals addressed equity needs, long-term outreach to young students, community-driven efforts to raise awareness, and partnerships with connected or adjacent sectors.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “To meet climate goals set by both President Biden and Governor Hochul, the offshore wind workforce needs to grow significantly over the next several years. That’s where SUNY and the Offshore Wind Training Institute come into play by developing programs to prepare the highly skilled, in-demand workforce that will power New York’s sustainable energy future. All of these projects represent the significant strides SUNY is taking toward advancing New York State’s climate goals.”
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “With New York's first offshore wind project starting to deliver clean energy, the time is now for students to receive the education needed to gain entry into this new and exciting industry. The SUNY system is a cornerstone of the state's higher education system, and by bringing these offshore wind training opportunities to more SUNY campuses, the Offshore Wind Training Institute is making these cutting-edge programs more accessible to those looking to play a key role the clean energy revolution.”
Farmingdale State College President and Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI) Director Dr. John S. Nader said, “The OWTI underscores SUNY’s central place in promoting sustainable economic growth in New York State. The awards to nearly a dozen SUNY campuses will help prepare students and working professionals for careers in the emerging wind energy industry. We are grateful for Governor Hochul’s support of the OWTI and her commitment to advancing educational opportunities in the green energy field.”
Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis said, “As preparation of a highly qualified offshore wind workforce remains a top priority for Stony Brook, we are grateful to Governor Hochul for her visionary support to accelerate the much-needed growth of a skilled wind-energy talent pool. In partnership with Chancellor King, our SUNY collaborators, NYSERDA and state leaders, we look forward to accelerating these efforts to help bring SUNY to the forefront of New York’s collective efforts against climate change.”
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Categories: New York, Energy, Government & Policy