Ivy Tech Community College (News - Alert) of Indiana has received a $4.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for smart grid workforce training programs that will help prepare the next generation of workers in the utility and electrical manufacturing industries.

As part of the grant, Ivy Tech will partner with Purdue University (News - Alert) to develop the Crossroads Smart Grid Training Program, or "CSTP."

Ivy Tech Community College officials said that to ensure the institutions address central issues in the workforce-education gap in Indiana, the CSTP will draw on many long-standing partnerships with the energy sector in both the private and public domain.

These partners, officials said, include the Energy Systems Network, an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership focused on building Indiana's clean technology industry.

According to officials, ESN will support the universities' efforts to ensure the programs and curricula that emerge from the CSTP are aligned with existing and emerging industry needs, working with utilities, the developers and manufacturers of smart grid equipment and technologies, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders.

Ivy Tech will serve as the lead institution while both groups will develop and deliver modules, courses and certificates in various areas of Smart Grid technologies, including systems management and security, information technology and power systems engineering, and the training of skilled workers including line workers, technicians and mechanics.

Officials said that Ivy Tech will offer associate degrees in these new fields, while Purdue will offer bachelor's degree programs in both engineering and technology. It is estimated the funds will help train 1,500 students for the new smart grid programs.

"This new grant will help Indiana employ new workers as well as train displaced workers for the jobs of the future," said Thomas J. Snyder , president, Ivy Tech, in a statement. "We will be able to put hundreds of people into new jobs and we will help local employers fulfill their need for qualified, skilled workers in this growing field of smart grid technologies."

"In addition, it will bring much needed, upgraded technology services to many Indiana communities," Snyder added.

Ivy Tech Community College is the state's largest public post-secondary institution and the nation's largest singly-accredited statewide community college system with more than 150,000 students enrolled annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana.

"With our existing industry base in the cleantech and energy sectors, and the willingness of these firms to work together to bring innovation to market, Indiana has great potential to outpace the nation in green job creation," said Paul Mitchell, president & CEO of ESN, adding that the challenge is preparing the workforce to take advantage of these opportunities, and meet the needs of industry.

"We're pleased to work with Ivy Tech and Purdue to make sure Hoosiers can capitalize on these exciting careers," he said.

The nationwide projects will leverage more than $95 million in funding from community colleges, universities, utilities and manufacturers to develop and implement training programs.

It is estimated that the programs will train approximately 30,000 Americans nationwide. These workers will help modernize the nation's electrical grid and implement smart grid technologies in communities across the country.