Building DOE Connections
HBCU Energy Institute Workforce Development Program
The HBCU Energy Institute Workforce Development Program aims to establish a robust pipeline between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Office. By aligning with DOE initiatives and industry trends, this program seeks to empower underrepresented talent in energy fields through structured career pathways, innovative training, and mentorship programs.
-
Establish foundational tracks such as Renewable Energy, Grid Modernization, Energy Efficiency, and Environmental Sustainability.
-
Include stackable micro-credentials in solar energy, energy auditing, and carbon management, approved by DOE standards.
-
Provide specialized curricula for small business development.
Career Pathway Development
-
Secure DOE placements for HBCU students to engage in real-world energy challenges.
-
Structure three-tier learning opportunities:
-
Undergraduate internships: Introductory skill-building.
-
Graduate apprenticeships: Focused research and application.
-
Professional mentorships: Small business incubation and leadership.
-
Internships & Apprenticeship
-
Pair HBCU students and alumni with seasoned DOE professionals and industry leaders.
-
Introduce mentorship clusters focusing on:
-
Contract management.
-
Technical innovation.
-
Disadvantaged business outreach.
-
Mentor-Mentee Framework
Program Structure
Program
Goals
What Sets Us Apart
Vision To position HBCU graduates as key contributors to the energy sector by providing comprehensive education, practical experience, and entrepreneurial opportunities, ensuring their sustained success in a competitive workforce.
Program Goals
-
Expand Career Pathways: Increase HBCU student representation in energy careers through targeted DOE partnerships and industry collaborations.
-
Promote Small Business Engagement: Create opportunities for HBCU-affiliated small businesses to thrive as contractors and vendors in DOE projects.
-
Enhance Workforce Readiness: Deliver stackable credentialing, hands-on apprenticeships, and experiential learning.
-
Foster Innovation: Enable students and small businesses to participate in cutting-edge energy technologies and forward-thinking projects.
Disadvantaged Contractor / Vendor Support
-
Partner with DOE’s Small Business Office to:
-
Train small businesses on DOE bidding processes.
-
Offer grant-writing workshops.
-
Provide resources for small, minority-owned enterprises to navigate federal contractor certification.
-
Alignment with DOE Small Business Initiatives The program reflects current DOE Small Business objectives, including:
-
Small Business Vouchers Program: Facilitate access to national laboratories for technology transfer and development.
-
Mentor-Protégé Program: Establish long-term relationships between HBCU-affiliated businesses and experienced DOE contractors.
-
SBIR/STTR Programs: Enable students and businesses to explore funding for innovative R&D projects.