Community College Journal - December 2011/January 2012

SEED Center Highlights Best
Practices in Sustainability
F
What’s Happening at
America’s
Community Colleges
acing decreased employment, the loss of family farms,
and the closure of the region’s largest employer, administra-
tors at Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) are
collaborating with local business partners on a new suite of
higher education courses intended to prepare students for
work in the emerging green workforce.

NMCC’s transformation is one of
several stories featured as part of the

American Association of Community College’s Sustainability Education and Economic Development initiative, a nationwide effort dedicated to helping community colleges build the green economy.

“We are committed to supporting and
leading economic development efforts
in northern
Maine,” said
NMCC Presi-
dent Timothy
Crowley. “That
leadership
manifests itself
in the building
of networks
and relation-
ships that help
better address
expansion of
our economy
in very chal-
lenging times.”
In 2010, the Mobilize Northern Maine
partnership launched a comprehensive
planning process with representatives
from the regional development commis-
sion, workforce development system,
business community, nonprofits,
government, and higher education. The
plan identified renewable energy tech-
nology as a key industry cluster and
highlighted regional training and skill
needs. NMCC, in its role as strategic
convener, hosts collaborative meet-
ings organized by the Northern Maine
Development Commission.

The Mobilize Northern Maine part-
nership is moving to expand biomass
conversion, small and large wind instal-
lations, and financing structures to
support energy-efficient modifications
throughout the region.

The partnership’s planning model fuels economic development through the business and higher education communities working to create residential and commercial renewable energy markets, products, and businesses.

In May 2011, NMCC graduated its
first class of 14 wind power technicians,
placing almost all its graduates in jobs
at regional wind power companies.

3 Million Students benefited from AACC advocacy to preserve the Pell Grant maximum—$11 billion dollars in critical student aid.

$1.4 Million in Grants and Contracts was distributed through AACC to member colleges to expand student access and success, ramp up workforce programs, and increase entrepreneurial opportunity.

More Than 1,000 Members participated in 10 regional “listening tours” to help AACC understand member challenges and identify solutions.

Center for Renewable energy

In collaboration with the city of Presque Isle, NMCC further supports the region’s renewable energy economy with a 7,800-square-foot Renewable Energy Center of Excellence. Located in an industrial park close to campus, the facility has classrooms and hands-on laboratories for wind technology, solar, biomass, and residential energy efficiency projects.

The college has secured more than $2 million in public and private investment and plans to train approximately 75 students per year through its academic programs and continuing education opportunities.

“Our efforts to provide leadership
through Mobilize Northern Maine have
allowed us to sharpen our focus on the
potential and demand for a greener
workforce,” said Crowley. “We are
excited about the potential this has for
the development of alternative energy
resources and the rebirth of a strong
manufacturing base in northern Maine.”
For more information on NMCC’s
programs and others around the coun-
try, visit www.theseedcenter.org.

National Leadership Opportunities supported today’s leaders and prepared the leaders of tomorrow.

Read more at www.aacc.nche. edu/membership It’s time to renew your membership investment in the American Association of Community Colleges. The national spotlight is squarely on our colleges as economic engines, open doors to access, and channels for social and workplace equity. In 2012, AACC will continue to work on your behalf in each of these important areas.