CAN DO, Greater Hazleton’s economic development corporation, announced today that it is teaming up with Penn State Hazleton to develop, implement and promote energy-related education at the campus to businesses and industries throughout the region.
The CAN DO Energy Solutions program, which features a network of pre-screened service providers, has already begun promoting the Penn State programs to area businesses and industries looking to train staff on ways to conserve energy and lower operating costs.
By collaborating on the non-credit seminars and workshops, CAN DO and Penn State Hazleton will be able to use their combined resources to promote the educational programs to a wider audience.
Dr. Gary M. Lawler, chancellor at Penn State Hazleton, said, “We are proud to be part of the CAN DO Energy Solutions portfolio. This is an exciting venture for the Hazleton region, as it brings together in one place a variety of energy-related companies that can help companies transform their energy use. There is a strong potential for Greater Hazleton to be a leader in alternative energy and we at Penn State Hazleton are committed to providing energy knowledge and training.”
CAN DO Director of Energy Solutions Bernadette DeBias said, “As companies identify needs, we will work with Penn State to deliver programming that addresses those needs. We will collaborate on the identification and pursuit of funding to offer these courses locally.”
The new programming, which begins in March, will complement Penn State Hazleton’s recently approved bachelor’s degree in general engineering. The degree focuses on alternative energy and power generation and will be the only such program offered within the Penn State system.
“Many parties will benefit from this partnership, including Penn State Hazleton, Penn State students, CAN DO and the businesses CAN DO serves throughout Greater Hazleton. Penn State Hazleton can provide training resources and assistance to those companies currently working with CAN DO and future companies when they are exploring a location in the Northeast for their business,” DeBias said.
Lawler said, “This partnership is a way to link the business and education communities, an important aspect of the new degree program. The links between our campus and area businesses that focus on alternative energy will also create potential avenues for student internships and research.”
The new programs at Penn State Hazleton, which are open to the public, are geared toward local employers and employees, including displaced workers who may be seeking to expand their skills.
Two seminars are already planned under the new partnership.
- The first is a U.S. Department of Energy BestPractices Training session on pumps, which will be held through the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) and Penn State Continuing Education. The March 16 session at Penn State Hazleton will feature information on managing motors, optimizing pumping systems, and saving energy and costs.
- Additionally, an Industrial Electricity course will be held May 3 through June 30. This course will introduce students to the basic principles of electricity, AC theory and circuitry, and industrial math relating to electrical circuitry and the use of electrical measurement devices.
