From the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University, with support from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, is expanding its workforce development training to include Clean Energy Opportunity Diversity Scholarships for historically underrepresented applicants in eastern North Carolina.

In cooperation with the Center for Energy Education, Halifax and Martin community colleges, the NCCETC will offer two weeklong trainings in Halifax County for professional certification pathways in the renewable energy and energy efficiency fields.

“We are pleased to offer 14 scholarships for eligible students to gain qualifications to help increase energy efficiency in homes and commercial buildings, and pursue employment in the solar energy arena,” stated NCCETC’s Executive Director Steve Kalland.

Through this project, NCCETC will aid in increasing diversity within the state’s clean energy sector. According to the Solar Foundation’s 2016 National Solar Jobs Census, African-Americans represent only 6.6 percent of the solar workforce, the lowest of all groups. Further, North Carolina was ranked No. 2 in the United States for the amount of installed solar energy, providing potential employment opportunity for scholarship recipients.

The scholarships will provide training to high school or equivalent graduates with strong math and science skills. Eligible applicants may apply for one or both 40-hour workshops. “Fundamentals of Photovoltaic Design and Installation” training will be offered July 17-21, and a “Building Analyst” training will be held Sept. 25-29.

The trainings will provide a mix of classroom and hands-on experience, and once training is complete, participants can earn a nationally recognized professional certification from the Building Performance Institute and the NABCEP Associate designation from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.

An advisory committee has been formed to help guide the NCCETC in developing the scholarship, recruiting eligible students and assisting in identifying subsequent internships or employment. In addition to Halifax Community College, Martin Community College and the Center for Energy Education, the committee includes representatives from Wilson Energy, Roanoke Electric Co-op, Choanoke Area Development Association, the N.C. Justice Center and the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association.

An online application process opened March 21, with scholarship announcements anticipated in the first week of June. The deadline for applying is May 15.

For more information or to apply, visit nccleantech.ncsu.edu/z-smith-reynolds-foundation/.