Farmingdale State To Create Sustainable Energy Program

New York State has awarded Farmingdale State College a $306,000 grant to develop and expand renewable clean energy programs.

The program, part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's workforce development initiatie, will establish a "Sustainable Energy Technology Program," including an expanded curriculum and additional faculty.

Experts say the energy field is expanding and students are interested in it. Farmingdale students enrolled in Construction/Architecture Management Technology, Electrical/Computer Engineering Technology and Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering Technology will be able to incorporate renewable energy classes into their programs.

“Support for our sustainable energy initiatives will allow the college to enroll more students, hire more professors and provide the workforce needed for these in-demand careers,” said Farmingdale State College President Hubert Keen.

Over a three-year period, more than $12 million will be awarded to 63 programs created by SUNY campuses throughout the state.

"The High Needs Program and others like it are helping fulfill SUNY's original purpose: to be world class institutions that foster cutting edge innovation and train the next generation of high tech workers," Cuomo said in a statement released by the college.

The SUNY High Needs Program was first established to meet state demand for nurses and engineers.