Progress 07/01/04 to 06/30/06
Outputs
The College enhanced its curriculum for Biodiesel, Solar, and Wind technology by adding modular components in Agriculture and Science courses. Partnerships have also been developed with Heartland Renewable Energy Society, and The Land Institute. The Agriculture vocational-technical advisory committee expanded to include workforce representatives from renewable energy industries. The College has a newly approved vocational program in Wind Energy Technology in coordination with Manhattan Area Technical College which will begin accepting students in fall 2006. In June 2006, the College received a grant from the Kansas Board of Regents Innovative Technology Program for this Wind Energy Technology Program. Students will be afforded opportunities to learn with industry equipment and resources. Additional partnerships have been established with Horizon Wind Energy LLC, utility companies, and economic development agencies for the Wind Energy program. Enhanced curriculum will
increase employment in careers specific to renewable energy and landscape management.
PRODUCTS: A laboratory has been developed with modular components for training in biodiesel, solar, and wind energy. Research from this grant assisted in the development of a vocational and Associate Wind Energy curriculum. The College received approval from the Kansas Board of Regents for a new Wind Energy Technology program in 2004, with revisions in 2006. The College developed a grant proposal for training and industry equipment to be used in the Wind Energy Technology Program.
OUTCOMES: The Innovative Technology grant received will allow for industry partnerships and use of industry-specific equipment and resources in the Wind Energy Technology Program.
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: A marketing and recruitment plan is being developed for the Wind Energy Technology plan. A marketing prospectus has been developed for the College to pursue funding for a wind turbine. A wind turbine will provide classroom instruction and power to the campus.
FUTURE INITIATIVES: Curriculum for Biodiesel, Solar, and Wind technology will be enhanced through partnerships with industry and agencies such as Heartland Renewable Energy Society, and The Land Institute. Workforce representatives on the Agriculture vocational-technical advisory committee will ensure that industry goals are taught in the currculum. The College's Wind Energy Technology program, in coordination with Manhattan Area Technical College will begin accepting students in fall 2006. Students will be afforded opportunities to learn with industry equipment and resources. Additional partnerships have been established with Horizon Wind Energy LLC, utility companies, and economic development agencies for the Wind Energy program.
Impacts
Expanded membership for Renewable Energy and Landscape Management on the Advisory committee allows for inclusion of industry-specific skills. New resources provide experiences in Renewable Energy and Landscape Management. Training by the Co-Project Directors provides advanced instruction in Renewable Energy and Landscape Management.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
The Agriculture vocational-technical advisory committee expanded to include workforce representatives: Wayne Walker, Zilkha Renewable Energy; Robert White, Kansas Corn Commission, Ken Benedick, Great Plains Landscaping; and Jack Widen, Widen Landscaping. Competencies are reviewed with advisory committee members to ensure performance standards are appropriate. Comparitive Agriculture students traveled to Arizona and New Mexico to view different sources of renewable energy, variances in land management and farming methods. Agriculture instructors sought intern placement locations as they traveled to agriculture-related industry, and comparative agriculture sites. Agriculture students participated in Postsecondary Agriculture Students, Block and Bridle, NACTA competitions, and program sponsored clubs. Purchased renewable energy resources for demonstration: FuelMeister Biodiesel Processor, Solar Cabin System,Air-X Wind Turbine demonstration kit. Activated membership in
Heartland Renewable Energy Society, a regional organization promoting renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Dale Strickler, Co-Project Director, attended the Kansas Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Conference sponsored by the US Department of Energy, FPL Energy, the Kansas Corporation Commission, and Wind Powering America. Dale Strickler attended the Renewable Energy Careers Forum sponsored by the Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas Corporation Commission, Kansas State University, and Dodge City Community College. Co-Project Director Pat Damman attended the Ethanol Technology Institute in Lexington, Kentucky. Advisory members discussed use of land recently acquired by the college. This land has the potential for demonstration plots with range management, native and non-traditional grasses, greenhouse management and renewable energy demonstration sites for wind energy, solar energy, and ethanol production. Instructors incorporated industry speakers into their
courses/programs. On November 4, a public forum was held on the campus of Cloud County Community College as part of a nationwide series exploring Energy Choices and Environmental Challenges in Kansas and the United States. Speakers were the Co-Project Directors and CloudCorp. Students enrolled in Comparative Agriculture viewed differences in farming and landscaping methods in Arizona and New Mexico Students involved in the Soils Team attended the Postsecondary Agriculture Student conference in Albany, New York and viewed land use. Environmental Quality course students installed a sub-surface drip irrigation system for the softball field, providing design and workplace experience. Purchased a John Deere JO 737 Case IH tractor suitable for landscaping. 2.Current Problems or Unusual Developments A Co-Project Directors for this project resigned from his instructor position. New instructor Josh Coltrain will assume his grant responsibilities. Cloud also hired a new Vice President for
Academic Affairs, Kimberly Krull. From the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Nebraska, she will provide knowledge and expertise in the area of curriculum for agriculture programs.
PRODUCTS:
OUTCOMES: Outcomes attained as listed in Progress report.
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: A public forum Exploring Energy Choices and Enviornmental Challenges was held at Cloud County Community College.
FUTURE INITIATIVES: Meet with Advisory Councils. Visit industry sites to determine renewable energy relationships to agriculture. Complete surveys at renewable energy industry visits. Introduce new competencies for renewable energy in courses. Develop curriculum and document usage utilizing demonstration units in Biodiesel, Solar, and Wind Energy. Visit industry sites for landscape management. Complete on-site surveys at landscape management industry visits. Introduce new competencies for landscape management in courses. Plan a public location to design and landscape. Meet with Advisory Council and introduce new course competencies for approval. Approve new competencies for renewable energy and land management. Develop curriculum utilizing demonstration units in Biodiesel, Solar, and Wind Energy. Document usage of demonstration units for Biodiesel, Solar and Wind Energy. Complete design and landscape of a public location in Concordia. Assess and evaluate new course competencies
within the curriculum. By June 2006, provide an educational workshop for the public about renewable energy. Make revisions to new curriculum as necessary. Document new Coop Education internship opportunities for Renewable Energy and Landscape Management. Document employment placement in these fields through the CaTers reporting system. Complete final CSREES report by June 30, 2006.
Impacts
Expanded membership for Renewable Energy and Landscape Management on Advisory committee allows for inclusion of industry-specific skills. New resources provide experiences in Renewable Energy and Landscape Management. Training by the Co-Project Directors provides advanced instruction in Renewable Energy and Landscape Management.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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