College Receives Funds to Enhance Renewable Energy Programs

KALAMAZOO, MI - Kalamazoo Valley Community College received $530,000 in funding from the State of Michigan Omnibus Appropriations Bill to enhance educational and workforce development in three key renewable energy market segments: Electric vehicles, EV battery charging systems and solar panel installation systems, in both residential and commercial applications.

These funds complement the college's existing Wind Turbine Technician Academy and Energy Systems Technology certificate of achievement, providing the college with an opportunity to acquire advanced training technologies in electric vehicle and EV battery diagnostics, Advanced Driver Assist Systems, as well as simulation and learning systems in wind, solar and geothermal energy applications.

"The continued growth in electric vehicles has lead to a greater need for workers skilled in computer programing, engineering, installation and repair," said L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D. "These funds will help us enhance our current offerings to include hybrid and electric vehicle technology training, renewable energy storage systems and autonomous vehicle diagnostics and repair."

Existing programs and coursework in Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology, HVAC, Construction, and Plumbing will provide the foundational learning upon which to build these renewable energy programs.

The winter semester at Kalamazoo Valley Community College begins Jan. 8. Register at www.kvcc.edu/register.