Rutgers University, Rowan University, Montclair State University and New Jersey Institute of Technology will be receiving funds to advance academic research and investment in offshore wind workforce training, according to a Thursday announcement from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
Specifically, the NJEDA board authorized staff to enter into memoranda of understanding with the universities to develop both the New Jersey Wind Institute Fellowship Program and the University Initiatives to Advance Offshore Wind.
Twenty-four graduate and undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines will be supported with stipends and resources in the pilot year of the program to conduct independent research on topics that will further offshore wind development in New Jersey.
Both the fellowship program and University Initiatives are expected to begin this year. Students interested in learning more about these programs should contact their university’s career services office.
“Our partnership with these four leading New Jersey research institutions will ensure that the Garden State’s offshore wind sector is best positioned for growth and industry leadership,” NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan said. “(Gov. Phil Murphy’s) allocation for the N.J. Wind Institute for Innovation and Training in the upcoming budget serves as a testament to the state’s commitment to accelerating economic growth, meeting our clean energy goals and investing in a robust, diverse and experienced workforce.”
The NJEDA will utilize funding from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to fund both the fellowship program and the University Initiatives.
