has received a grant of nearly $500,000 to expand its programs in renewable energy, green manufacturing and
construction, and other fields related to energy conservation and pollution control.
The funding, from the
U.S. Department of Labor, will be used over the next three years to expand course offerings, workforce training programs, and collaborative efforts between the college, employers, non-profits and governmental agencies to increase job opportunities in green industries.
"This grant recognizes Cincinnati State's commitment to help meet the needs of 'green' industries," says Cincinnati State president Dr. John Henderson. "We believe these industries can become a significant catalyst for growth in southwestern Ohio, and help provide high-quality jobs."
In addition to helping create new certificate programs, the grant will also help ensure that these courses can be more easily transferred between partner schools such as the
University of Cincinnati and
Northern Kentucky University.
A portion of the grant will support the Manufacturing Technology Small Business Development Center at
TechSolve, providing comprehensive business management and education services to businesses interested in expanding into green energy fields.
"This program brings together a broad coalition and leverages their resources to strengthen these efforts," says Larry Feist, program chair for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at Cincinnati State's Center for Innovative Technologies.
Cincinnati State also plans to continue to develop articulation agreements with career and vocational high schools through the
Greater Cincinnati Tech Prep Consortium and will keep reaching out to employers through the Southwest Ohio Workforce Investment Board (WIB), the
SuperJobs Center, and TechSolve.
"The WIB and SuperJobs Center are excited about the opportunity to identify green employers and partner with the leadership of the Energy and Environment Center at Cincinnati State," says Sherry Marshall, president and CEO of the Southwest Ohio Workforce Investment Board.
And the federal grant will also be used to support a green business initiative launched through the
Greater Cincinnati Workforce Network to help employers find and retain skilled employees and help low-skill, low-income residents further their education and get good jobs.
Writer:
Kevin LeMasterSources: Dr. John Henderson, president, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College; Larry Feist, program chair for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Cincinnati State's Center for Innovative Technologies; Sherry Marshall, president and CEO, Southwest Ohio Workforce Investment Board