NextEnergy Curriculum Development Grants

Summary

NextEnergy is a comprehensive economic-development plan created to position Michigan as a world leader in the research, development, commercialization and manufacture of alternative-energy technologies. Among other activities, NextEnergy supports the development of an alternative-energy technology curriculum for technicians and engineers. The three stages of this multiple-year initiative are: Stage 1 (grant year 2003): Design, Development and Validation Stage 2 (grant year 2004): Market Entry and Initial Implementation(s) Stage 3 (grant year 2005): Full Implementation and Delivery There is a possibility of continued funding for implementation and delivery in 2006. This initiative aims to develop and implement accredited programs at the associate, undergraduate and graduate levels, and to provide continuing education to incumbent workers. These awards are expected to result in a statewide, seamless curriculum in alternative energy among two-year and four-year schools. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. NextEnergy was created to address the risks of continued dependence on foreign energy resources, to mitigate increasing environmental concerns, and to prepare for the possibility of technologies that may replace the internal combustion engine. The NextEnergy Zone, located in Detroit at Wayne State University Research and Technology Park, is the home the NextEnergy Center. The 40,000-square-foot center will be the catalyst of the NextEnergy initiative. It will include laboratory facilities, business incubator space, collaborative meeting space and other facilities that will support Michigan’s alternative-energy industry.