Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton has announced the availability of $640,000 in grants to fund clean energy-centered science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs for students from kindergarten through high school.
The grants, part of MassCEC’s Workforce Capacity Building Program, will target projects that help build STEM skills in elementary and secondary students and boost the number of high school graduates pursuing STEM majors in college.
“As our Administration continues to invest in innovation and education, we are promoting opportunities for students to study STEM education to gain competitive 21 st century skills,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, Chair of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council . “The clean energy sector is an example of a growing innovative industry in Massachusetts, and we need to excite and encourage more students to study STEM and pursue careers in this thriving industry.”
“Exposing educators and students to science and technology will prepare the next generation of clean energy workers for the high-paying jobs of tomorrow,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan, who serves as the chairman of MassCEC’s board of directors . “Bringing clean energy professionals together with educators and students will only boost the already-booming clean energy sector in Massachusetts.”
“These programs will provide Massachusetts workers with the skills they need to compete in this rapidly growing sector of the global economy,” said Barton .
MassCEC is now accepting grant proposals for programs that develop and integrate clean energy- and STEM-related curricula, create practical problem-solving projects to address student skill development; and/or, provide clean energy and STEM-focused career exposure and/or work experience opportunities for both educators and students. Ideal programs will also engage clean energy industry in the classroom by providing dual enrollment programs that allow high school students to take college courses, offering high school internships for low-income youths and developing activities and practical laboratories for applied science in the clean energy field.
Applications are due May 3 and a webinar on the program and application process will be held at March 8 at 2 p.m.
[mappress] Press release, March 1, 2013