Why Is BayPort CU Investing in Tech Programs for Students?
The credit union helps open a new tech center for students to enter renewable energy careers.
A $500,000 grant created and funded by the Newport News, Va.-based BayPort Credit Union and two other organizations has resulted in the opening of a new Renewable Energy Technology Program for high school students at the Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) Advanced Technology Center this month.
BayPort ($2.4 billion in assets, 152,440 members) came together with two other Newport News-based organizations to fund the $500,000 Accelerating Change Together Grant. The money was awarded to VBCPS and its Advanced Technology Center to prepare high school students for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
According to BayPort and VBSPS, the new program will serve about 40 students each year through the Renewable Energy Technologies courses. “The Accelerating Change Together Grant funding also provides a specially equipped classroom with hands-on simulators, curriculum resources, instructor training, materials for outreach to elementary and middle school students, and funding for a solar learning pavilion at the school,” the announcement stated.
“The opening of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools new Renewable Energy Program at the Advanced Technology Center is an exciting day for innovation and growth here in Hampton Roads. BayPort is honored to invest not only in this new program, but in the future of our region,” BayPort President/CEO Jim Mears said.
“I’m excited that through this community partnership, our students will learn about renewable energy technologies and gain hands-on experience in their design, function, installation and maintenance,” Dr. Donald Robertson Jr., acting superintendent, said. “Our future-ready students will have the opportunity to earn industry credentials and be part of sustainability projects.”