Paul Smith’s College and Power52 Clean Energy Access Institute Finalize a Green Energy Education Pathway Providing Power52’s Solar Installation Graduates Access to Paul Smith’s World-Class College Degree Programs

Graduates of Power52’s Solar Installation Training Program to Receive Six College Credits by Paul Smith’s College; Agreement will Help Enhance Paul Smith’s College Enrollment 

PAUL SMITHS, NY –Paul Smith’s College and Power52 Clean Energy Access Institute signed a green energy pathway agreement that will grant graduates of Power52’s 450 hour solar installation workforce certificate six college credits. Power52’s Clean Energy Access Institute is meeting growing workforce demand in well-paying sustainable jobs in the renewable energy sector by training individuals from underrepresented communities in solar installation. The new pathway provides graduates of the Clean Energy Access Institute’s workforce program access to Paul Smith’s world-class college degree programs in environmental sciences, sustainability, natural resources conservation, and many other programs focuses on environmental sustainability and combatting climate change.  Not only does the agreement open the door to underrepresented communities to attain an associates or bachelor degree in critically-needed areas, like environmental sciences, it allows graduates of Power52’s workforce certification program to attain a college degree faster and at a lower cost.

“This new green energy pathway with Power52’s Clean Energy Access Institute demonstrates the limitless opportunities we have at Paul Smith’s to expand our programs when working with our partners at The Fedcap Group,” said Dan Kelting, Interim President at Paul Smith’s College. “Our outstanding faculty, our important research, and academic programs make Paul Smith’s College a leader in natural sciences, sustainability, and reducing the impact of climate change.  It’s critically important to expand opportunities to communities who may not even be aware of the possibilities and today’s new pathway does just that.”

“This is an exciting agreement for the graduates of our solar installation certificate because not only do they get hands on training to be prepared for a great job in the renewable energy industry, they will have additional opportunities to obtain a degree at one of the leading environmental sustainability colleges in the nation,” said Robert Wallace, President of Power52’s Clean Energy Access Institute. “For too long, many of the communities we serve—underrepresented communities of color—have faced barriers in education and today’s agreement helps break down those barriers.”

There is a growing demand for workers in the clean energy sector. According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs in solar are among the fastest growing among all sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that from 2019-2029 the number of solar photovoltaic installer jobs will grow more than 50 percent.

Special thanks to Drs. Catherine Lalonde and Peter Bradley who oversaw the curriculum analysis process.

————–

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.   

About Power52’s Clean Energy Access Institute  

CEA-Institute, a Fedcap Group partner, prepares individuals for a career in Renewable Energy industry. Our craft instructors are committed to all students no matter their back story, with Power Principle resources our institute creates opportunities that gives access to workforce options in this growing industry. Enrolling in one of our Renewable Energy Program Training Programs will help you navigate a career with CEA power principles and life-skills; NCCER standardizes curriculum; PV Solar curriculum to support obtaining NABCEP credentials; and curriculum to aide with navigating the Green Environment with project management skills. The Renewable Energy Professional Training curriculum class format for individuals is a HYBRID. Learning both online and in-person, including hands-on laboratory experiences. For Anchor Institutions with population stakeholders who require workforce training, CEA-Institute will design, develop, and deliver custom curriculum solutions.

Contact Information:

Zoë Smith, media@paulsmiths.edu