August 15, 2024 — New Energy New York (NENY) at Binghamton University is set to advance its mission in clean energy workforce development with a $200,000 award from the Families and Workers Fund’s Powering Climate and Infrastructure Careers Challenge. The grant, part of a larger $12 million initiative awarded to 14 organizations nationwide, underscores NENY’s role in shaping the future of energy education.

Chosen from a pool of more than 450 applicants, NENY’s “Energy in Education” project stands out for its innovative approach to addressing critical workforce gaps. This funding will enable NENY to expand its partnership with Broome-Tioga BOCES (BT-BOCES), impacting approximately 14,000 youth and high school students across New York state.

The project includes the establishment of two additional New Energy Labs, expanding the hands-on Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. A new Battery Innovation elective will also be introduced, alongside the development of advanced simulations and next-generation training programs. These initiatives build upon the success of last year’s pilot program at Chenango Forks High School, which saw significant engagement and skill development among students.

“We are honored to receive this award from the Families and Workers Fund,” said Stacey Johnson, director of workforce development for NENY at Binghamton University. “This grant will help us build a robust educational framework that prepares the next generation of clean energy professionals.”

Matt Sheehan, director for the Center for Career and Technical Excellence at BT-BOCES, added, “Our goal is to create a replicable model that not only addresses immediate workforce needs but also sets a national standard for clean energy education in the K-12 system.”

Key components of the project include:

• Establishing two additional New Energy Labs: State-of-the-art facilities will be set up to provide hands-on training and resources.

• Training and certifying instructors: Educators will be equipped with the necessary skills to deliver high-quality training programs.

• Launching new programs: Immersive training tools will be developed to ensure students are job-ready from day one.

• Expanding workforce opportunities: Pilot pathways to careers will address real-time industry challenges and provide a scalable blueprint for success nationwide.

The Powering Climate and Infrastructure Careers Challenge is part of a broader $50 million initiative by the Families and Workers Fund, aimed at advancing at least one million careers in clean energy and infrastructure. This initiative is dedicated to creating scalable, inclusive models for workforce development and addressing systemic challenges through collaborative partnerships.

About the Families and Workers Fund: The Families and Workers Fund is a collaborative platform committed to building a more equitable economy. Supported by 40 diverse funders, the Fund focuses on developing inclusive, effective public benefits systems and advancing jobs that sustain and uplift people. To date, the Fund has committed more than $52 million in grants and strategic partnerships, directly impacting 1.4 million people and leveraging more than $15 billion in additional investments.