Future Use of Energy in Louisiana announced its first-round workforce development investments through the Seed and Scale Funds.
The initiative has awarded nearly $900,000 in funding to 13 Louisiana programs advancing energy talent development, nearly half of which are in the Capital Region.
FUEL’s Seed Fund is providing six new workforce initiatives and projects with $20,000 each, while FUEL’s Scale Fund is providing seven existing workforce programs with $100,000 each to expand their reach and impact. Each funded project demonstrated industry connectivity and a clear connection to the in-demand talent needs of Louisiana’s energy sector, according to a prepared statement.
Baton Rouge-based Pro Fab Education was among the recipients from the Seed Fund. The award will enable the organization to leverage advanced manufacturing to build the capacity of K-12 educators delivering high-quality STEM education through interdisciplinary project-based learning.
With its award, Louisiana Art & Science Museum and Irene W. Pennington Planetarium will offer a Kids’ Energy Day to promote and increase energy literacy and career awareness, and a Teacher Workshop focused on energy-related training with curriculum for use in fourth and fifth grade classrooms.
The East Baton Rouge Parish School System was among the award winners from the Scale Fund and plans to expand the EBR Learn and Earn Energy Transition Internship Program by an additional 40 students to participate in energy-focused internships.
The Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance plans to expand its Educator Externship Program with its grant.
LSU Electrical Engineering will be integrating virtual learning, augmented reality, and virtual reality into the existing curriculum.
“The investments from FUEL’s Seed and Scale Funds will continue to advance Louisiana’s longstanding legacy of leading energy talent,” says FUEL’s Workforce Development Director Lacy McManus. “Through these programs, Louisiana will continue to provide opportunities and pathways into the energy landscape for generations to come.”
