Central Community College Kearney Campus (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND — Central Community College is one of six colleges and universities recognized for outstanding climate actions efforts.
Second Nature, a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating climate action in and through higher education, has announced its inaugural Climate Luminary Honors recipients.
The institutions are recognized for their leadership and innovative approaches to addressing climate challenges across five categories – decarbonization, justice, community, workforce and research – alongside a special award for climate resiliency in action. CCC was honored for its workforce efforts.
“Central Community College is equipping students with skills to meet the growing demand for renewable energy careers,” Second Nature said. “Through its energy technology program, the college trains future professionals to install, maintain and repair wind and solar systems, fostering a sustainable workforce.”
“I am incredibly honored that Second Nature has recognized CCC’s energy technology program for our exceptional work in preparing students for the renewable energy workforce,” said Taylor Schneider, energy technology instructor at CCC-Hastings. “This award highlights this program’s vital role in developing the skilled talent needed to transition to a clean energy future. I will continue embracing cutting-edge technologies and developing innovative learning experiences to ensure graduates are at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.”
The other recipients are Carleton College, Northfield, Minn., for decarbonization; Emory University, Atlanta, Ga., for justice; the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa., for community; the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., for research; and Warren Wilson College, Asheville, N.C., for climate resiliency in action.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by Second Nature along with other higher education Climate Luminary Honor institutions that are leading with actions to prevent future unnatural disasters,” said Ben Newton, CCC sustainability director. “I initiated developing the curriculum for an energy technology program eight years ago, and now CCC is training students for one of the fastest growing career fields.”
For more information on the Climate Luminary Honors initiative, visit Second Nature’s website.
