Curriculum : Under Development

This section highlights Texas renewable curriculum being developed. If you are currently developing curriculum for post-secondary education in emerging energy technologies please let us know by emailing webmaster@tstc.edu.

Amarillo College Wins Solar-Energy Grant — The National Science Foundation has awarded a grant of $798,424 to support establishment of a Solar Energy Technology component at Amarillo College.

Jack Stanley, chairman of AC's Sciences and Engineering Division, was notified of the award July 22 and says the funding will enable AC to add a solar component to its Renewable Energy Program.

"We are gratified by this generous award and excited about the opportunities it will create for our region," Stanley said. "Our Solar Technology option will focus on the development of skills necessary for installation, maintenance and manufacturing of solar energy technology."

AC applied for the grant through the auspices of the NSF's Advanced Technological Education Program. The funding will be used primarily to procure qualified faculty and cutting-edge laboratory equipment.

Stanley said AC will begin developing classes for the solar option this fall with a goal of enrolling the first solar students in spring of 2011.

Tyler Junior College's Green Jobs and Renewable Energy Courses — In response to the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), which has provisions that encourage the development of renewable energy as well as improved energy efficiency for homes and businesses, TJC is now offering courses that focus on training in the green/renewable energy field.

Courses may be taken to prepare for industry certification exams or to cover key continuing education topics for those who want to expand their skills and knowledge and keep up with advances in technology. Class descriptions list any prerequisite professional knowledge or skills required prior to enrollment.

Classes include: Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager, Certified Indoor Environmentalist, Certified Microbial Investigator, Fundamentals of Solar Water Heating, Photovoltaic System Design & Installation, Weatherization Energy Auditor, Energy Auditing Software Training, Sustainability 101 & Corporate Social Responsibility Essentials, and Green Building Sales Professional