EACC in Forrest City is offering students the option of three programs in Renewable Energy Technology (RET)
June 9, 2009
East Arkansas Community College - Forrest City
Press Release
Scholarship Funding Available for RET Programs at EACC
East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City is offering students the option of three programs in Renewable Energy Technology (RET) in the fall semester 2009 with options including a two year Associate of Applied Science degree, a one year Technical Certificate and a one semester Certificate of Proficiency. Renewable Energy refers to energy that is made from natural resources that can be replenished by nature.
“The RET programs are currently grant funded through the U.S. Department of Labor, said Lee Griffith, EACC Director of Administrative Services. “The grant for the RET programs contains funds that are ear marked for student’s tuition, books, and fees for those who major in RET,” said Griffith. “Students don’t have to qualify for financial aid or scholarships to be eligible for these funds. In fact, if a student received scholarship funding for the RET program, they would still be able to receive other forms of financial aid.”
Energies produced from renewable resources include biofuels, solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, hydro-electric, and nuclear power. The EACC RET program’s major focus will be upon on bio-diesel production processes.
The RET programs are in partnership with the other ADTEC colleges in east Arkansas- Arkansas Northeast College, Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, Mid South Community College and ASU-Newport. “Students who earn a diploma or certificate at EACC will then be able to enter the workforce or carry that work forward and earn a baccalaureate degree at ASU in Jonesboro,” said Griffith.
High school students also have the option of enrolling in the RET Certificate of Proficiency program through the EastArk Secondary Career Center. Created in 2004, the EASCC is located on the EACC campus and is a collaborative effort by EACC, area school districts, and the Arkansas Department of Workforce Education.
There are a host of possible careers related to the RET programs in agriculture, manufacturing, construction, installation, and maintenance, as well as scientific and technical, administrative, and service-related activities, that contribute substantially to preserving or restoring environmental quality.
For more information about the RET programs, please call 870-633-4480 ext. 355.