SFCC News:
SANTA FE — Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) along with higher education and industry partners has been named as a semifinalist for a proposal in the National Science Foundation (NSF) regional engines competition.
The proposed initiative would address water scarcity and resilience across the Southwest. Known as the Energized Watershed Engine (EW Engine), the effort would bring together more than 50 partners and over $641 million in public and private commitments to accelerate water access, reuse and energy innovation.
The proposed initiative will be led by the University of New Mexico. SFCC’s participation will be coordinated by Associate Professor of Advanced Technology and Sustainability Stephen Gómez, Ph.D.
“This partnership gives SFCC an unprecedented opportunity to shape the next generation of water and energy professionals,” Gómez said. “SFCC students will be training a sorely needed workforce at the forefront of solving some of the region’s most urgent challenges.”
He added that if the project is selected for funding that SFCC would lead key enhanced workforce development initiatives that prepare New Mexico’s workforce for careers in advanced water and energy systems. As part of a regional hub-and-spoke model, the college will align technical training with employer needs in infrastructure, energy security and water technology sectors.
“SFCC is proud to be part of a nationally recognized collaboration that advances water and energy sustainability while providing economic opportunity,” SFCC President Becky Rowley, Ph.D, said. “This initiative would strengthen our region and expand access to clean water and reliable energy in the communities that need it most.”
Finalists will be determined later this year.
A summertime view of the Santa Fe Community College. Courtesy/SFCC
About SFCC:
For more than 40 years Santa Fe Community College has been the pathway to success for individuals and the community. SFCC provides affordable, high-quality programs that serve the academic, cultural, and economic needs of the community. The college welcomes over 10,000 students per year in credit, noncredit, workforce training, personal enrichment, and adult programs. A “Best for Vets” and a “Military Friendly” school.