Several Queens College students received certificates to mark their completion of the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Student Workforce Development Program.
Photo credit: Anat Gerstein, Inc.
The Queens Chamber of Commerce recognized dozens of Queens College students for taking part in and completing the Student Workforce Development Program, a workforce initiative designed to prepare the students for careers in the clean energy economy, on Monday, May 11, at the Patio Room in Dining Hall of the Flushing-based school’s campus.
Photo credit: Anat Gerstein, Inc.
This program, which is supported through a grant from Hydro-Québec, comes during a pivotal time for New York’s clean energy transition, following the completion of the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), a transformative transmission project connecting Quebec hydropower to Astoria. The CHPE project is expected to deliver around 20% of New York City’s clean hydropower supply, marking a major milestone in the region’s renewable energy future.
Photo credit: Anat Gerstein, Inc.
“The completion of the CHPE project represents a historic investment in clean energy infrastructure, but equally important is investing in the people who will help sustain and grow this industry for decades to come,” Hydro-Québec Senior Director Pete Rose said. “We are proud to partner with the Queens Chamber of Commerce to support students as they prepare for careers that will shape a more sustainable future for New York City and beyond.”
Photo credit: Anat Gerstein, Inc.
Student Workforce Development Program participants were joined by educators, employers and community leaders at the culminating event, where they received their certificates, listened to remarks from program leaders and industry stakeholders and had opportunities to network with those on hand. Ten standout program participants will be moving on to internships with sustainability-focused companies, helping launch the next generation of green workforce talent.
Several educators, employers and community leaders were among those on hand. Photo credit: Anat Gerstein, Inc.
“Queens is playing a major role in shaping New York’s clean energy future, and it is critical that our students and local communities benefit directly from that growth,” Queens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Grech said. “This program is about creating real pathways into the green economy by connecting students with the skills, mentorship and professional opportunities needed to succeed in one of the fastest-growing sectors of our workforce.”
Queens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Grech speaks at the culmination event. Photo credit: Anat Gerstein, Inc.
Queens has quickly grown into a central hub for New York City’s clean energy landscape, thanks in large part to the CHPE project ending in Astoria. The Queens Chamber of Commerce created the Student Workforce Development Program to ensure students in the borough had direct access to the training, professional development and industry connections necessary for participation in the emerging green economy.