Event Description

GCC's Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Program:
Internships Enhance Local Businesses

GCC has significantly contributed to Massachusetts' national prominence in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and our interns are often on the forefront of these fields. Student interns have contributed to such forward-looking developments as manufacturing recycled vegetable oil fuel, assessing the energy performance of our regional building stock, increasing outreach to businesses and volunteers for our local low-income housing franchise, and designing and installing solar arrays.

Recent and current interns will give a thumbnail sketch of their experiences working for local organizations such as Northeast Biodiesel, Power House Energy Consulting, and Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity; representatives of host sites will also be on hand to discuss their perspective of the internship process. Teresa Jones, GCC's RE/EE Program Director, Christine Copeland, GCC's Internship Coordinator guru, and Beth Paulson, Adjunct Faculty for the RE/EE Program, will update us on GCC's accomplishments, describe how other businesses can get involved, and introduce the fabulous presenters.

GCC's pioneering Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency degree and certificate programs have been closely aligned with local sustainable businesses since the program began in 2008. It is a leader in not only the state, but the country. The coursework predicted the need in this booming industry, received recognition for its academic AND practical, on-the-ground, accomplishments. They have graduated 29 students in the degree program and 79 students in the intensive one-year certificate program.