Governor Hochul Announces $4 Million in Grants for Offshore Wind Training and Workforce Development

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the second round of nearly $4 million in Offshore Wind Training Institute grants awarded for workforce development. The funding supports eight State University of New York campus-led programs designed to prepare students for careers in this emerging offshore wind industry. The winning programs will expand workforce development and training initiatives for jobs in constructing, manufacturing, installing, operating and maintaining offshore wind farms. Governor Hochul previously announced the first round of $4 million for Offshore Wind Training Institute grants in May 2023. In total, $8 million for 28 grants has been awarded across SUNY campuses.

“As New York State continues to lead the nation in our transition to clean energy, the Offshore Wind Training Institute is helping to ensure our state’s workforce is prepared to fill the jobs we need to reach our ambitious energy goals,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this grant program, we are equipping students with the tools they need to fill the clean energy jobs of the future and build a greener New York for generations to come."

The $20 million OWTI was launched in 2020 in collaboration with SUNY’s Farmingdale State College and Stony Brook University and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to advance offshore wind training programs and the educational infrastructure needed to establish a skilled workforce that can support the emerging national offshore wind industry. Including this round, the OWTI has awarded $8 million for 28 grants distributed across all sectors and regions of the SUNY system with individual awards up to $500,000.

In this second round, grants were allocated to 12 programs at eight SUNY campuses including: University at Albany, University at Buffalo, Farmingdale State College, Hudson Valley Community College, SUNY Morrisville, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and Stony Brook University.

Applicants for these grants were asked to apply under one or more "priority focus areas," which include expanding existing SUNY curricula relevant to offshore wind; responding to rapid, targeted training needs; and addressing barriers to entry. Proposals addressed equity needs, long-term outreach to young students, community-driven efforts to raise awareness, and partnerships with connected or adjacent sectors.

NY Governor’s Office | https://www.governor.ny.gov/