FRAMINGHAM – The Community Foundation for MetroWest has awarded Framingham State University’s Christa McAuliffe Center with a $95,000 grant to expand upon a paid summer internship program that exposes local high school students to climate-critical career pathways.

The Perspectives on Earth – Team Mentorship and Internship (PETM) Program includes a series of five training sessions, where students develop subject matter competence by working collaboratively to answer the questions:

• Where Does My Energy Come From? 
• How Would I Design a Clean Energy Transition for my Community?

“Students in this program acquire experience, competence, and interpersonal confidence that strengthen their qualifications when searching for future paid internships and jobs,” says Dr. Irene Porro, Director of the McAuliffe Center. “More specifically, interns who complete the program will earn industry validated credentials, which they will be able to use when applying for local internship or employment opportunities in the clean energy sector. We are extremely grateful to the Community Foundation for MetroWest for this generous support.”

"Through our Equity in Education Action Project, we support programs that improve the educational outcomes for students in MetroWest in literacy and math,” added Jay Kim, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for MetroWest. “With the partnership of donors and corporate sponsors like MathWorks, we are able to expand our support to include educational areas that are critical to students as well as our region's vital industries like STEM. We are proud to partner with the McAuliffe Center to help students gain the expertise and experience necessary to thrive in this field."

The grant money will cover the cost of a program coordinator to serve up to 50 students participating in the training sessions and then 12 summer interns. Students who participate in the internship are paid $15 per hour across 120 hours of work in June and July. The grant will also help support a part-time Workforce Development & Community Relations Specialist, who fosters partnerships with clean energy employers and relationships with MetroWest high schools.

Professionals from clean energy industries, and other sectors that contribute to the green economy, will participate in both training sessions and internship activities. Specific expertise will be drawn from employers in the four project areas interns will work over the summer:

• Climate Solutions for our Homes and Schools - Explore how solutions like weatherization, heat pumps, solar, green appliances, smart controls, and battery storage can make homes and schools greener.
• Buildings of the Future - Explore how to design LEED-certified and Passive-House buildings for a greener future
• Harnessing the Power of the Sun for our Communities - Explore and promote community solar projects in Massachusetts.
• Going Deep! Networked Geothermal Projects - Explore the science and design of networked geothermal systems and how it can contribute to clean heating.

About Community Foundation for MetroWest 
In 1995, the Community Foundation for MetroWest became the trusted philanthropic partner for individuals, families, nonprofits, and businesses in the region who are driven to enhance the quality of life for all in MetroWest. For thirty years, the Foundation has developed extensive Action Projects (including Equity in Education, Housing and Homelessness Prevention, Workforce Development and Arts & Culture) and awarded more than $37 million in grants to charitable organizations. The Foundation currently stewards more than $33 million in charitable assets for current needs and future impact. To learn more about the Foundation’s commitment to improved quality of life in MetroWest, visit communityfoundationmw.org or call (508) 647-2260.