$500,000 BofA grant supports United Way of Long Island’s workforce development program for careers in offshore wind, smart grid and green construction industries
United Way of Long Island is proud to announce a second $250,000 grant from Bank of America to support its workforce development program, ‘Power Up! Wind, Solar & Renewables’, bringing its total support to $500,000. This free training program is focused on creating a foundation and pathways to secure careers in the renewable energy industry for 150 Long Islanders. According to the New York State Department of Labor, over 10,000 new industry jobs will be available in New York State by 2030.
“Bank of America is committed to creating a more equitable and sustainable future for Long Islanders in partnership with United Way of Long Island,” said Marc Perez, President, Bank of America Long Island. “After funding the Power Up! program launch and seeing the success of their inaugural class, we knew that extending our support would continue to help this important program thrive. Power Up! will not only allow more Long Islanders to establish careers in the renewables and offshore wind industry, but will help build a cleaner, greener island for all. Advancing economic mobility through workforce development, promoting job training opportunities and helping individuals secure full-time employment are our goals, and we encourage the business community to join us in supporting this program.”
‘Power Up! Wind, Solar & Renewables’ operates out of United Way’s state-of-the-art E3 SmartBuild Training Center in Deer Park, complete with a portable prototype wind turbine purchased with Bank of America’s first $250,000 grant in 2022. Since the program’s inception, 115 Long Islanders have completed the 50-hour program curriculum and training and another 150 will complete it in 2023.
The Power Up! graduates of 2022 are proficient in the installation of clean heating and cooling technologies, high-efficiency HVAC, heat pumps, solar panels, EV Charging and the benefits of renewable energy. Approximately 40% have gained employment and are on the way to financial stability and careers in the energy industry through connections made in the workforce program. Many other graduates have gone on to achieve advanced training.
Additional funding of $249,000 to match Bank of America’s generous grant was recently awarded to United Way of Long Island from an NYS Empire State Development Corporation workforce development grant.
“When I first learned of United Way’s Power Up! program, I knew I had to jump in as soon as possible to get ahead of something life changing,” said Matthew, US Air Force veteran and 2022 Power Up! graduate. “Because of United Way of Long Island and Bank of America, I now have a pathway up to opportunity, self-sufficiency, and the American dream.”
Matthew completed Power Up! with connections to different fuel and renewable energy industry companies, such as National Grid, SUNation, PSEG and TRC, a leading engineering and construction management firm. He is now employed full time at TRC, working as a Energy Efficiency Inspector at PSEG, a position that could earn upwards of $95,000 annually.
Man Nga wanted to change jobs in a new career field. She enrolled in Power Up! and was introduced to the Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI), the nation’s premier certification and standard-setting organization for home performance professionals.
Before she completed the PowerUp! program, BPI offered Man Nga a job. She is now Director of Program and Market Development at BPI, helping states secure a highly qualified workforce to meet their goals and ensure that home performance professionals are positioned for an enduring career in the industry. “Power Up! provided cutting-edge skills and knowledge in the fastest-growing sustainable jobs that pay well. I can support my family and have a dream career,” said Man Nga.
“We are, once again, grateful to Bank of America for this generous grant to United Way’s Power Up! workforce training. Their support helps us break down employment barriers as we lead the way to providing the necessary training and networking opportunities to this new and growing industry,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. She added, “PowerUp! is an example of all the good that comes when labor, industry, and government work together to benefit all Long Islanders.”
The Power Up! program grant is open to youths, veterans, unemployed workers and those seeking new careers leading to employment in the offshore wind industry, renewable/sustainable, smart grid and green construction industries. To learn more and/or to apply, visit https://www.unitedwayli.org/powerupcareertraining.