Middle Schoolers from across NYC to learn about and explore the offshore wind industry.
SUNY MARITIME COLLEGE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR OFFSHORE WIND, HORIZONS NATIONAL, AND ATTENTIVE ENERGY PARTNER ON INAUGURAL OFFSHORE WIND STUDENT IMMERSION DAY
FOR NYC YOUTH
BRONX, NY – October 27, 2022 – On Saturday, November 5, SUNY Maritime College will host middle school students from underserved communities throughout New York City for a premier event, “NYC Student Day: Youth Power and Offshore Wind.” The inaugural event made possible through a partnership between Maritime College, Horizons New York City, and offshore wind developer Attentive Energy will expose NYC youth to the up-and-coming industry of offshore wind and future career opportunities. “Offshore wind is a maritime industry and Maritime College is pleased to partner with these two important organizations and welcome local students to learn more about this industry in their neighborhood. Through this exclusive program, students will experience on the water activities and gain exposure to the unique technological tools that may motivate them to pursue an exciting career within the offshore wind industry,” said SUNY Maritime College President Rear Admiral Michael Alfultis.
As part of the day’s program, students will be introduced to the offshore wind industry by:
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Piloting a virtual ship on the College’s offshore wind bridge simulator
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Climbing and maintaining turbine towers in a virtual reality environment
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Building their own model wind turbine and generating power
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Hearing about careers in the offshore wind industry from local offshore wind experts
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Experiencing the East River by boat and seeing oyster reefs that are helping improve water quality
Students attending the day’s events are associated with the partner schools and enrichment programs of Horizons New York City, a regional affiliate of Horizons National that focuses on increasing opportunity and support in communities most impacted by educational inequities. “This is a very unique learning opportunity, and we are excited to partner with SUNY Maritime College and Attentive Energy to help make the experience possible,” said Jose Oromi, Executive Vice President of Horizons National. “These kinds of opportunities are more important than ever for young people, especially those affected by inequity in education.”
Attentive Energy, a company with deep experience in the offshore sector, will serve as the event sponsor and provide insights and relevant background for students on the technology and future workforce needs.
“We are excited to partner with SUNY Maritime College and Horizons National to engage with students in NYC through a very unique and immersive program that we hope ignites their imagination around an offshore wind future taking shape in their city,” said Damian Bednarz, Attentive Energy Managing Director. “Most importantly, we look forward to hearing directly from the students and having their feedback to inform future programming and outreach to this local workforce. This inaugural event continues our local commitment to promote our values of strengthening communities and investing in people first. Together with our partners, we can support the buildout of an inclusive clean energy economy.”
A renewable and infinite energy source, offshore wind power will perform a critical function in the future of electricity generation and is expected to create more than 10,000 jobs in New York to support the state’s offshore wind goal of 9,000 megawatts (MW) by 2035, per the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Immersive student days centered on offshore wind exploration will prepare future generations for the development of a local and diverse workforce, a critical piece to meeting our shared economic and climate goals.
About SUNY Maritime College:
SUNY Maritime College educates dynamic leaders for the global marine transportation industry, shipping business, engineering, energy, facilities management, finance, the armed forces and public service. Students choose from 11 undergraduate majors, including five ABET-accredited engineering programs, and two master's degree programs. Students participate in 17 varsity athletic teams and more than 40 clubs and organizations, ROTC options and U.S. Coast Guard license programs. The license program prepares students to navigate, power and operate marine vessels.
About Horizons National:
Horizons New York City, a regional affiliate of Horizons National, partners with schools, colleges, and universities to provide high-quality, tuition-free academic and enrichment programs for New York City students from communities impacted by educational inequities. Founded in 1964, Horizons is a growing network of 74 program sites in 20 states, including four New York City sites serving approximately 450 students in grades K-8. Horizons advances educational equity by building long-term partnerships with students, families, communities, and schools to create opportunities outside of school that inspire the joy of learning, helping students gain the confidence, knowledge, and skills they need to build their own successful futures. To learn more about Horizons New York City, visit horizonsnewyorkcity.org.
About Attentive Energy:
Attentive Energy LLC, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies Renewables USA, LLC, is delivering offshore wind opportunities to empower communities today and tomorrow. Attentive Energy is developing an 84,332-acre area located approximately 54 miles from its nearest point to New York and 42 miles from its nearest point to New Jersey. When completed, the project has the potential to generate 3,000 MW of clean energy to power nearly 2.2 million homes. We are guided by deep experience in the offshore sector and a forward-thinking commitment to put people first, on and off the coast. With the power of offshore wind, we will strengthen our communities, forge a new industry, and build an inclusive clean energy economy. For more information, visit https://attentiveenergy.com/.
View press release as PDF.
Contact:
Odalis Mino, SUNY Maritime College
P: 718-409-7277
omino@sunymaritime.edu
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