CARSON CITY - NV Energy is the power source for electricity in homes throughout Nevada. Now, the company is empowering Western Nevada College students with two new learning tools. A $23,000 grant from NV Energy has enabled WNC to launch a new student assistance program, and also allowed it to purchase a mobile industrial electrical wiring learning system for Applied Industrial Technology students, usable throughout WNC's seven-county service area.
NV Energy donated $18,000 so WNC could purchase the equipment which offers electronics students hands-on training. They can learn installation and troubleshooting of electrical control systems using realistic equipment and scenarios, including panel layout, splicing and termination, and wire sizing.
Another $5,000 has helped fund the college's Project Graduate program, which seeks to increase degree and certificate completion. New students must utilize advising services before they enroll for classes and are identified, through placement tests, if they need academic assistance to be ready for college courses.
"The two programs NV Energy funded at WNC are fundamental to our education philosophy," said NV Energy Vice President of External Strategy Mary Simmons. "Our funding for Project Graduate helps to ensure a better college experience for students and a higher ratio of graduation success. The funding for the new electrical wiring system fits within our economic development strategy. A trained and ready workforce is essential to recruiting new business and jobs to Nevada."
"We have a training opportunity that includes both online and hands-on training," said Connie Capurro, WNC Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. "Our students can build, install, test, and troubleshoot equipment for solar, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical control systems for both residential and commercial use. Because of NV Energy, we are able to provide student training both on campus and at the job site."
Capurro said the college purchased a mobile unit so that instructors can transport it to WNC's rural teaching sites and to industries that need on-site employee training. "Our Applied Industrial Technology Program will succeed because of these types of community collaborations, and the high energy and creativity of our faculty," she said. "We are very grateful for our partnership with NV Energy."
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