Green Jobs Academy

Green Jobs Academy of Rowan University

The Rowan University Green Jobs Academy is a multi-disciplinary, multi-level green workforce education, training and development hub. The Academy works with academic, industry, business, government, community and workforce development partners to create, connect and accelerate programs that prepare students and workers for in-demand jobs in the energy, environmental and sustainability areas, and supports initiatives for “greening” careers across any occupation.

The Green Jobs Academy collaborates on the development of flexible pathways for students and workers to earn employer-valued industry credentials and micro-credentials, professional and academic certificates and associate’s, bachelor’s and graduate-level degrees, with a focus on (1) building a skilled green workforce that meets the needs of employers and the market, (2) catalyzing economic growth and (3) advancing solutions for a sustainable planet.

To facilitate a robust ongoing pipeline, the Green Jobs Academy supports programming across the learning lifespan, including awareness and outreach programs for communities and K-12 students, and multi-faceted learning offerings for high school, community college, university, and technical school students, as well as professionals and trades workers.

Initially funded by a $1M TD Ready Challenge Grant, the Green Jobs Academy has supported programming in offshore wind, solar, alternative energy, glass recycling, citizen science air quality monitoring, community and student events, workshops, internships, research, trades training, and industry and energy sector networking.

The Green Jobs Academy helped to drive the creation of the Rowan Energy Collaborative (ROWEC), whose mission is to serve as a connector, collaborator, and resource for developing and implementing effective energy solutions that meet the complex energy needs, challenges, and opportunities of today and tomorrow.

To work with the Green Jobs Academy, or for more information, please contact Green Jobs Academy Assistant Director Marie Casanova casanovam@rowan.edu.

High School Students in a Wind & Solar Workshop
High School Students in a Plant Energy Workshop
Students at Alternative Energy Symposium assembling wind & solar kits
High School Students Assembling a Wind Turbine
High School Students Measuring Energy from Plants
High School Students in Wind & Solar Workshop

Alternative Energy Symposium

Inspiring the Next Generation of Energy Leaders at the Rowan University Alternative Energy Symposium

The second annual Alternative Energy Symposium was held on May 30, 2025, at Rowan University, bringing together high school students, educators, and industry professionals to explore the future of clean energy careers. The collaborative event hosted by Green Jobs Academy, School of Earth & Environment, and the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, engaged STEM-focused students across South Jersey to broaden awareness of opportunities in alternative energy and sustainability fields.

Through dynamic presentations, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities, the symposium emphasized that regardless of a student’s chosen path - whether engineering, environmental science, business, or technology - the need for sustainable energy solutions is relevant for almost any career, either directly or indirectly, which creates exciting job opportunities. Students learned that there is always room for “greening” your degree to differentiate yourself and contribute to a sustainable future.

The day began with keynote speakers representing various sectors of the energy industry. Alexa Watkins, Senior Development Manager at Enel North America, highlighted advancements in solar energy, while Jonathan Oliva, Director of Engineering Services at South Jersey Industries, added insights on gas infrastructure, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen. Jason Schuler, grid integration expert representing Attentive Energy, covered offshore wind and the interconnection of electricity into the power grid. Attentive Energy also impressed students with an interactive VR headset experience that simulated working on a wind turbine rig - offering an immersive, first-hand glimpse into a unique future career.

These sessions were followed by a lively Q&A hosted by Green Jobs Academy Assistant Director Marie Casanova, where students asked questions directly to industry experts, reinforcing the event's commitment to real-world learning and professional networking.

The symposium featured engaging, hands-on workshops. Rowan engineering students, supported by Dr. Yashwant Sinha, Assistant Teaching Professor Mechanical Engineering, led sessions on wind and solar hybrid systems, electronics programming for smart devices, and even generating hydrogen fuel through water electrolysis to power model cars. Dr. Zachary Christman, Professor and Chair of Department of Geography, Planning & Sustainability, led a drone mapping workshop introducing students to the power of aerial imagery and GIS technologies in environmental monitoring.

These workshops introduced technical skills and demonstrated how alternative energy technologies intersect with everyday applications.

To add an element of fun and friendly competition, Jen Totora, Program & Events Specialist with the School of Earth & Environment, led a scavenger hunt powered by QR codes, culminating in a prize drawing with individual and school-wide winners receiving solar-powered gear and educational kits.

Funded by a generous grant from TD Bank, the event left a lasting impression not only through its activities and networking, but also through educational resources that will continue to support green education long after the day concluded. As one attendee put it, “I enjoyed all the speakers and their presentations. I found their talks to be very helpful and helped me to understand the workshops.”

With its combination of education, inspiration, and innovation, the Alternative Energy Symposium has laid the groundwork for South Jersey’s next generation of sustainability leaders.

For more information about the Green Jobs Academy contact Marie Casanova at casanovam@rowan.edu.