Governor Hochul Awards $4 Million in Grants for Offshore Wind Training and Workforce Development

 

First-Round Offshore Wind Training Institute Awards Approved for SUNY and Its Partners to Develop Programs Preparing Students for Careers in Offshore Wind

Awards Will Expand Workforce Development and Training Initiatives for Jobs in Constructing, Manufacturing, Installing, Operating, and Maintaining Offshore Wind Farms

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $4 million in grants awarded from the Offshore Wind Training Institute to SUNY campus-led programs designed to prepare students for careers in this growing industry. The winning programs will expand workforce development and training initiatives for jobs in constructing, manufacturing, installing, operating and maintaining offshore wind farms.

"Nation-leading programs like the Offshore Wind Training Institute are essential to ensuring that the State’s workforce is ready to support our ambitious renewable energy goals,” Governor Hochul said. “SUNY, in partnership with NYSERDA, is equipping new and existing workers to participate in the green energy revolution here in New York for generations to come — helping us address the climate crisis and create a greener state for all.”

In this round of grants, 10 programs were approved for seven SUNY campuses including: Alfred State College, University at Buffalo, Farmingdale State College, Hudson Valley Community College, Suffolk County Community College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and Stony Brook University.

Governor Hochul launched the request for proposals in October 2022. The grant process is led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in collaboration with Farmingdale State College and Stony Brook University. The funding, to be distributed through multiple rounds of selection, will award each program up to $500,000.

Applicants 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.

A second round of awards will be announced in summer 2023.