Expanded program will prepare NJ students for career opportunities in offshore wind

TRENTON, N.J. (February 8, 2023) – The Board of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today approved expanding a program that will offer students at select New Jersey public and private universities paid research fellowships to prepare them for careers in the offshore wind industry. Opportunities will be available for undergraduate and graduate students.

In its first year, which began in October 2022, the Wind Institute Fellowship Program is supporting 26 student researchers across Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Rowan University, and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. The expanded program will enable students that attend these four schools plus Stockton University and selected NJ private, research universities to apply to their home institution for the Wind Institute Fellowship and receive up to $30,000 in academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25 for offshore wind research.

“As the offshore wind industry builds momentum in New Jersey, it’s essential that we foster the growth of our pipeline of qualified, talented individuals equipped with relevant skills. This will not only prepare students for exciting career opportunities, but will help our workforce keep pace with the needs of the industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “An investment in today’s students is an investment in tomorrow’s economy and this fellowship program will ultimately help to position New Jersey as a global leader in offshore wind, while creating jobs and bringing us closer to achieving Governor Phil Murphy’s clean energy goals.”

The fellowships will take place through the fall, spring, and summer semesters and run between 25 and 40 weeks depending on each school’s calendar. Juniors and seniors are eligible for $15,000 undergraduate awards, while graduate and doctoral students can apply for $30,000 awards. All accepted fellows will also receive $1,000 for related expenses, such as travel to conferences and materials. Each participating school can receive up to four fellowships, with at least one undergraduate and graduate representative. Rutgers can earn 12 fellowships, including at least three undergraduate and three graduate fellows.

“Wind energy is a major component of the Murphy administration’s plan for a 100 percent clean energy economy and is expected to drive billions in economic benefits,” said Jane Cohen, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy.  “By investing in those students who come to or stay in New Jersey for higher education, we can create accessible pathways for thousands of local jobs to be filled by hard-working New Jerseyans and shape a sustainable tomorrow.”

The NJEDA will provide participating schools with funding for administration and other related expenses, while faculty advisors will receive $1,000 honorarium for their involvement. Fellows will be able to attend a series of cohort meetings hosted by the NJEDA during the academic year to support peer learning and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the offshore wind industry.

“New Jersey’s renowned higher education institutions are ideal for cultivating a workforce poised to support the state’s rapidly advancing offshore wind sector,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “This fellowship program will create opportunities for students while helping us develop a robust, diverse, and local workforce for the offshore wind industry.”

Participating universities will run their application processes in the spring. Accepted fellows will begin in the summer or fall semesters.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Initiatives Will Create Offshore Wind Fellowship Program and Support Universities to Deepen Industry Expertise

TRENTON, N.J. (March 31, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced plans to provide a total of more than $1 million to Rutgers University, Rowan University, Montclair State University, and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to advance academic research and investment in offshore wind workforce training. Specifically, the NJEDA Board authorized staff to enter into memoranda of understanding with the universities to develop both the NJ Wind Institute Fellowship Program (Fellowship Program) and the University Initiatives to Advance Offshore Wind (University Initiatives).

In its pilot year, the Fellowship Program is expected to support 24 graduate and undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines with stipends and resources as they conduct independent research on topics that will further offshore wind development in New Jersey. Selected students will participate as a cohort in workshops, site visits, and guest lectures with industry stakeholders and have the chance to present their research to government, academic and industry experts at the end of their Fellowship.

The University Initiatives will be designed to provide long-term, industry valued expertise for students, faculty, and staff. Potential initiatives can include new curriculum development, pre- and post-doctoral student positions, faculty training in offshore wind, or other activities that support offshore wind learning.

Both the Fellowship Program and University Initiatives are expected to begin this year. Students interested in learning more about these programs should contact their university’s career services office.

Governor Phil Murphy recently proposed dedicating $5 million in funding for the NJ Wind Institute for Innovation and Training in the state’s 2023 Fiscal Year Budget.

“Our partnership with these four leading New Jersey research institutions will ensure that the Garden State’s offshore wind sector is best positioned for growth and industry leadership,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Governor’s allocation for the NJ Wind Institute for Innovation and Training in the upcoming budget serves as a testament to the state’s commitment to accelerating economic growth, meeting our clean energy goals, and investing in a robust, diverse, and experienced workforce.”

Managing Director of Wind Institute Development Jenifer Becker echoed Sullivan’s sentiments about the benefits the Fellowship Program and University Initiatives will have on New Jersey’s economy.   

“These initiatives will allow us to capitalize on one of New Jersey’s greatest assets – its research universities – to build a pipeline of industry experts in the offshore wind sector,” said Jen Becker, Managing Director of Wind Institute Development. “This pool of trained talent will be a vital resource as New Jersey continues on its path toward becoming a global leader in this high-growth industry. We look forward to working in collaboration with the Legislature to establish the Wind Institute.”   

The NJEDA will utilize funding from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to fund both the Fellowship Program and the University Initiatives.

“New Jersey has made significant strides in leveraging the state’s knowledge and talent to fuel the clean technology economy under Governor Murphy’s leadership,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Today’s announcement will directly strengthen New Jersey’s research and development initiatives, while expanding its offshore wind workforce.”

The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education has been a key partner to the NJEDA in its work to ensure that students and workers have the tools they need to compete for offshore wind jobs.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey continues to invest in higher education programs and partnerships that spur innovation and increase access to opportunity for students of all backgrounds,” said Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Brian Bridges. “The NJ Wind Institute will utilize the talents of our students, faculty, and research institutions to further develop New Jersey as a national leader in offshore wind.”

Each university will play a unique role in the development and implementation of the Fellowship and/or Initiative announced today.

“The collaboration with NJEDA and the NJ Wind Institute on the fellowship program will advance educational and scientific research opportunities for our students and faculty as they work to improve both the economy and our environment,” said Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway. “As home to the New Jersey Clean Energy Resource Network, Rutgers remains committed to ensuring that businesses in the clean energy sector can grow and prosper in New Jersey.”

“Higher education must adapt quickly to not only meet the needs of this generation, but the generations to follow,” said Rowan University President Ali A. Houshmand. “Investing in sustainability education through our partnership with NJEDA and the NJ Wind Institute ensures that Rowan University students and our faculty can play a prominent role in reshaping the future of our state and planet.”

“Montclair State University – with its deep commitment to serving the public interest and advancing student success – has an opportunity to define the future,” said Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell. “This collaboration with the NJEDA and the NJ Wind Institute will build on the great work being done by our Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center and provide our students, faculty, and staff with the resources required to continue engaging in bold, imaginative research projects dedicated to bettering our environment.”

“NJIT remains dedicated to prioritizing research and creating opportunities that benefit the public sector,” said NJIT President Joel S. Bloom. “NJIT is proud to partner with NJEDA and the NJ Wind Institute as we work together to fund, develop, and cultivate research projects that grow New Jersey’s offshore wind sector, further economic opportunity and social mobility, and better our environment for generations to come.” 

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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