Minnesota clean energy career pipeline still carving out growth

Minnesota's decision to keep prioritizing clean energy could bode well for college students considering a career in the field but they face obstacles in paying for the classes. New scholarships could help close the gaps.

Clean Energy Economy Minnesota announced this week it is funding a total of $10,000 in scholarship money to be shared by 10 students.

Logan Schrader, executive director of the Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence, part of the Minnesota state university and college system, said the extra aid they will distribute will go toward career readiness programs, like wind and solar jobs, HVAC and electrician training. He added every little bit helps.

"A two-year program is going to be about 45 credits or roughly $6,000 a year and so, this gift is displacing a good chunk of that," Schrader explained.

He pointed out electricians are in big demand within the sector and their skills can translate across a variety of jobs. Federal policy has muddied the clean energy push but Schrader noted Minnesota's zero-carbon goals and mandates keep the state competitive.

Universities within the Minnesota State system have reported major funding issues but the center does not anticipate subsequent moves will harm the programs at two-year institutions. Schrader argued by opening more pathways for such careers, low-income students have a chance of gainful employment and a prosperous future.

"These are investments in energy jobs but they're also investments in wealth building for a lot of families," Schrader emphasized.

For example, a renewable energy engineer in Minnesota can earn well north of $100,000 a year. The scholarship fund offered by Clean Energy Economy Minnesota coincides with the organization's 10th anniversary this year.