Clark College is set to receive $1 million in federal funding to develop a “Center for Clean Energy,” the college announced last week.
The funding will be used to purchase clean energy equipment and technology for the center, which will focus on solar and wind energy, electric vehicles and sustainability sciences, a release from the college stated. The money will also expand the college’s existing mechatronics and automotive technology programs and will incorporate the upcoming advanced manufacturing program at Clark College at Boschma Farms, the college’s satellite campus under construction in Ridgefield.
The goal of the center is to train clean-energy technicians for jobs in repair, maintenance and manufacturing industries in the Portland-metropolitan area, the release stated. Finding skilled employees in those industries has proven a challenge, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce President John McDonagh said in the release.
“We are excited to learn that Clark College students who are pursuing clean energy, manufacturing and sustainable sciences will soon be able to train in these emerging and expanding markets,” McDonagh said.
Clark College plans to purchase a solar array, a small-scale wind tower, four electric vehicles and other training components for the center using the federal funding, the release stated.
The college aims to mint graduates with skills to prepare them to gain “excellent” work in clean energy industries, Clark College President Karin Edwards said.
“With diversified courses, coupled with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, Clark will be able to offer affordable, hands-on training for our graduates to step into 21st-century careers,” Edwards said.
The programs will be led by Theo Koupelis, the Clark College dean of Workforce, Professional and Technical Education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, the release stated. Alongside the mechatronics and automotive technology programs already in place, the advanced manufacturing program at Boschma Farms is set to begin in winter 2025.
Koupelis is thankful for the federal support to help current offerings and expand clean energy-related programs.
“This support will provide our students with excellent educational experiences and additional job opportunities in areas that will directly impact our community and state,” Koupelis said.
Local projects get millions
The Clark College funding is among $46 million for projects in Washington State included in the federal Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies funding bill for fiscal year 2024. Following her vote to advance the bill, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray heralded the inclusions for the Evergreen State.
“This bill touches on so many investments that represent the very heart and soul of this country: from health care, to education, to supporting workers and retirees, and ensuring everyone can live with dignity and respect,” Murray said in a release.
Other funding for local projects found in the appropriations bill includes $700,000 going to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe for a mobile health unit for substance use disorder treatment, the release stated. The bill also includes $1 million for PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center to expand its emergency department. YWCA Clark County is also set to receive $475,000 for a therapeutic preschool program specifically designed to address trauma from child abuse and neglect.
