Suffolk County Community College has announced the successful completion of its recent Summer High School Offshore Wind Turbines course, aimed at introducing high school students to the growing field of wind energy. The college conducted two separate summer sessions, providing a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience.
The first camp was exclusively for participants from the South Huntington School District. The second camp included students from both the South Huntington School District and the New York State STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program) grant program.
This initiative is funded by a grant from the Offshore Wind Training Institute, administered by SUNY Farmingdale and Stony Brook University. The grant is titled “Strengthening the Wind Energy Education Pipeline (SWEEP).”
The offshore wind turbines course is part of Suffolk County Community College’s broader efforts to prepare students for careers in renewable energy. This funding also allowed the college to expand its welding and composites training programs. Students have completed both courses successfully, with most passing the American Welding Society (AWS) certification exam.
As part of their training, all students in these programs participated in career exploration workshops featuring guest speakers from organizations such as the National Offshore Wind Training Center, the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and Community Offshore Wind. These workshops provided valuable industry insights and potential career paths. Several students have already interviewed with labor unions for pre-apprenticeship opportunities.
Additional cohorts will participate in these programs throughout 2024 and 2025. A 60-hour composites course leading to national certification by CertTEC is scheduled for Spring 2025. The college has also developed offshore wind career exploration modules in collaboration with the Institute for Workforce Advancement to engage underrepresented populations and post-high-school students.
To date, three workshops have been held, with twelve more planned throughout the remainder of this grant project. Portable simulations will be used at career fairs, libraries, and community venues to enhance engagement.
About Suffolk County Community College:
Suffolk County Community College is the largest community college within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling approximately 21,000 students across its three campuses in Selden, Brentwood, and Riverhead. It offers Associate degrees in Arts (A.A.), Science (A.S.), Applied Science (A.A.S.), as well as various certificate programs. Known for affordable tuition rates, a respected Honors program, workforce training initiatives, extracurricular activities, championship athletic teams, and numerous transfer options—Suffolk remains a top choice for Long Island students.
Research/Work reported in this press release was supported by SUNY System Administration under SUNY Offshore Wind Training Institute.
STEP is funded by New York State Education Department Project #0516-24-0041 Office of Access Equity & Community Engagement Services & Office of Postsecondary Access Support & Success.
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