Offshore Wind Career Access Scholarship
The Clean Energy Extension – with support from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center – is offering several full-tuition scholarships for CEE’s Offshore Wind Professional Certificate program. The scholarship value is approximately $6,000, which covers the full cost of the three courses.
This scholarship will enable students from diverse backgrounds to successfully prepare for and join the offshore wind industry.
In addition to the tuition scholarships, recipients will receive (1) professional development and networking support; (2) direct, person-to-person introductions to hiring offshore wind companies and organizations; and (3) a non-curriculum stipend to help address specific personal and professional barriers on an as-needed basis.
Eligibility
We are seeking applicants who (1) have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, (2) have particular interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), social science, business, or other fields related to offshore wind development, and (3) have an interest in entering the offshore wind workforce in a professional capacity.
Everyone is welcome to apply. We will prioritize applicants who are:
- from diverse backgrounds
- in need of financial assistance to take the Certificate Program
- facing barriers to entering the offshore wind workforce
- seeking to transition to offshore wind from a related field, such as commercial fishing, fossil fuels, the armed service, or shipbuilding
- a resident of a Massachusetts Environmental Justice Community or Gateway City
- eligible to work in the U.S. upon completion of the Certificate.
The Spring 2025 application is now closed.
To be informed about the Fall 2025 application, please email oswcertificate@umass.edu.
Our Scholarship Recipients
Roxanne Neilson has decades of national experience on large construction projects, beginning as a carpenter and certified welder, and more recently in her role as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Administrator coordinating the $3.14 billion NYS Tappan Zee Bridge replacement project. She currently serves as the Principal Investigator and Director of the US Commerce Minority Business Development Agency Manhattan Center and is a strategic partner on capital projects through her own consulting firm founded in 1999.
"I care about solving big, systemic problems and I believe small business ownership is the great equalizer. Working with small and diverse businesses we can build creative global supply chain frameworks using proven methods, unlocking equitable economic and workforce opportunities."
Angelena Edwards is a civil engineer specializing in construction management. She brings a unique perspective on accessibility and diversity to the OSW industry, and a combination of over twenty years of experience in construction management and electric distribution.
"The OSW certificate has helped me on my personal journey of continuous learning. It has expanded my professional network. It has also allowed me to perform research in areas outside of engineering. As an independent consultant within clean energy, I am now further able to diversify the OSW industry through my understanding of their Workforce Development needs."
Jesse Castillo is a first-generation Dominican American and is the first in his family to complete a master’s degree, which is in Technology Management with a concentration in Supply Chain. He has professional experience in supply chain management and is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
“With the Career Access Scholarship, I have the chance to join an emerging industry and add needed niche skills that will make me more valuable to an organization in the offshore wind industry."
Maryann Sourivong is a first-generation college graduate who earned her BS in Environmental Science from UMass Amherst in 2022. She is a recipient of the yearly Chancellor’s Award and took many positions at the University during her time at UMass Amherst, including as a climate education research assistant.
“I hope to become an environmental consultant in the offshore wind industry regarding making sustainable decisions that affect not just people, but also the biodiversity within these environments.”
Peter Kendrick led US military operations at home and abroad during his 20-year career in the United States Navy. He earned a BS in Sustainable Food and Farming at UMass Amherst. During his time in the Navy, Peter facilitated several renewable energy projects to improve military security overseas while minimizing dependency on carbon-based fuels.
“My passion for improving the environment for future generations and a desire to foster sustainability projects with positive regional impacts align well with the developing offshore wind industry. I hope these courses will increase my professional knowledge and help me bring valued leadership skills to the civilian sector.”
