DPS and Rockefeller College Collaborate to Launch Clean Energy Mi...
ALBANY — The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) and the University at Albany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy today announced the launch of the NYS Clean Energy Program, a new partnership that pairs specialized graduate coursework with paid, hands-on experience at DPS. The program is designed to help increase New York's burgeoning clean energy workforce sector while also building the next generation of public servants. New York as of 2024 has created 184,000 clean energy jobs, among the highest in the nation.
Through the program, students enrolled in Rockefeller College's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program can earn a Clean Energy Microcredential and become eligible to apply for a paid Clean Energy Internship with DPS's Office of Markets and Innovation.
Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said "New York's clean energy transition depends on talented people who understand both the policy and the practice. This partnership with Rockefeller College gives students real responsibility on the issues shaping our energy future and gives the Department a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to serve New Yorkers."
SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, "As New York State works to advance clean energy projects and innovative efforts, SUNY is proud to step up as a leader in this critical space. Investing in SUNY is investing in our state's future, and this microcredential will help the next generation of New Yorkers be better equipped to harness clean energy and address climate change. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and for her efforts to ensure SUNY is able to help all of New York State address our climate goals and sustainability efforts."
Rockefeller College Dean Julie Novkov said, “Hands-on learning is a hallmark of the Rockefeller College experience, and this new program gives students more opportunities to turn their classroom knowledge into real-world impact. Through work on critical issues affecting New York’s clean energy future, students will gain practical experience and develop skills that will serve them throughout their careers.”
Students can opt into the program at the start of their second semester. The microcredential requires three courses (nine credits), anchored by a course on energy policy and climate change. Students can choose electives spanning policy analysis, environmental economics, and modeling and data analysis. These courses also count toward the MPA's elective requirements, so students can earn the credential without adding time to their degree.
Students selected for the internship will start in June after their first year and continue through graduation the following May, fulfilling the MPA's 350-hour internship requirement. Interns will work in DPS’s Office of Markets and Innovation, with work focused on clean energy deployment and policy development and analysis. Students will build skills in research, evaluation, writing, data analysis, public speaking, and stakeholder relations.
Successful student interns may have the opportunity to continue with DPS in a permanent role.
Applications for the first internship cohort are due to Rockefeller College by March 1, 2027. Rockefeller College will confirm eligibility and forward applications to DPS for review and interviews, and students will be notified of selections by April 15. The first cohort will begin in June 2027.
The New York State Department of Public Service is the staff arm of the Public Service Commission. The Department’s Office Markets and Innovation leverage competitive markets to achieve New York State’s clean energy objectives in a cost effective and equitable manner. The office has three core sub-divisions including Efficiency, Equity, and Innovation, Clean Energy and Markets, and Regulatory Economics.
-30-
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
