Bank of America has awarded a $250,000 grant to United Way of Long Island to pilot a workforce development program for career training in the renewable energy sector.
The United Way program, called “Power Up Wind, Solar & Renewables,” is aimed at creating a path for participants to secure jobs in the renewable energy industry.
Focused on “culturally diverse young adults,” the program will operate out of United Way’s E3 SmartBuild Training Center, which is equipped with a portable wind turbine prototype. It involves a 50-hour education curriculum with internships, where participants will receive the required technical, functional and soft skills that will lead to employment in the renewables and green construction sectors.
“Bank of America is committed to accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy,” Robert Isaksen, president of Bank of America Long Island, said in a written statement. “By supporting the United Way of Long Island’s latest initiative, participants will gain valuable education and work experience to put them on a better path to having a successful career and help build a more sustainable, clean energy community for Long Islanders.”
Theresa Regnante, president and CEO of United Way of Long Island, stressed the importance of increasing access to opportunities for individuals from priority populations.
“We are grateful to Bank of America for this generous grant, as it helps us break down barriers for diverse communities to gain employment,” Regnante said in the statement. “This is especially important as New York State continues its commitment to increasing renewable energy sources.”
