U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the Omnibus appropriations bill in Congress includes $285,000 for Union Graduate College. The funding would be used to develop a cutting-edge Masters Degree program in emerging energy. The bill will now proceed to the House and Senate Floors as the next steps in the appropriations process. 

"This is terrific news for the Capital Region and our entire country’s renewable energy efforts," said Schumer.  "It is imperative that we invest in a clean and renewable future, and Union Graduate College's Emerging Energy Systems masters program will put Upstate New York and the Capital Region on the front lines of our efforts."

“This is a great investment for the Union Graduate College,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The research on renewable energy coming out of Union Gradate College is key for the Capital Region’s economic growth. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer to ensure that New York receives its fair share of federal dollars.”

The $285,000 in federal funds will be used to develop a masters program in emerging energy whose graduates will lead Albany in the integration of renewable energy and advanced energy technology in business and industry.  This program will attract and retain young graduates and professionals to New York's Capital Region by integrating and expanding the areas unique industrial resources that design and deliver energy products.  Funding will support development and implementation of a Masters Degree in Emerging Energy Systems at Union Graduate College, School of Engineering – development and staffing of additional Energy System courses, faculty and materials to support student theses/projects in conjunction with local industry, and inclusion of laboratory space in the new Union Graduate College facility. 

“Our School of Engineering works very closely with local energy companies in the region, providing the courses their employees need," said Dr. Laura Schweitzer, President of Union Graduate College. "This Emerging Energy Systems degree is being developed in response to their needs and as Tech Valley continues to attract and grow important renewable energy companies, this funding will allow Union Graduate College to help strengthen our region's economic future. We are deeply grateful to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their efforts in securing this critical appropriation."

Union Graduate College is the only Capital Region institution focused on Master's degrees in Engineering for the working professional, and this program compliments existing energy related economic initiatives in the region.  The goal is to increase and retain scientific and engineering prowess, respond to the nation's need for clean, affordable and reliable energy, and drive economic development and employment opportunities in the region's emerging energy industries.

The House is expected to vote on the bill tomorrow with the Senate set to vote next week.

To read media coverage about the funding and how it will be used, click here: http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2009/feb/25/0225_nanonano/