National Community Action Foundation Recognizes Weatherization Training Site for New Program
Grant Supports the Growth of Community Weatherization Programs and Green Jobs
BRONX, New York--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The National Community Action Foundation and Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) recognized the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA) with an $800,000 grant to establish a weatherization training program. The grant is being used to prepare workers for careers in the growing fields of weatherization and energy efficiency. This is one of nine grants across eight states aimed at increasing the capacity of Community Action Agencies and Weatherization Assistance Program agencies serving areas with high concentrations of income-eligible multifamily buildings.
The grant allows the Association for Energy Affordability to combine conventional classroom and field-based learning tools with new media technology. The training curricula addresses regional climate differences and national standards for multifamily auditors, construction managers, program managers, and multifamily trainers. In partnership with national and local workforce agencies, AEA is helping local job developers and workforce organizations learn more about the skills job seekers need for careers in energy efficient buildings.
"The weatherization training partnership is based on our shared belief that energy efficiency and economic development are inextricably linked," said Kenneth Cohen, vice president of public and government affairs for ExxonMobil. "Programs like those operated by the agency will expand career opportunities for American workers and help American families save money by making the buildings in which they live more energy efficient."
"Weatherization is a critical tool in the quest for greater energy and economic efficiency," said David Bradley, executive director of the National Community Action Foundation. "The foundation and ExxonMobil are proud to award this weatherization training partnership grant to help AEA to adapt and share its expertise weatherizing multifamily buildings."
"The NCAF ExxonMobil weatherization training grant enables AEA to broaden the base of multifamily energy efficiency expertise by deploying advanced distance learning technology and collaborating with other weatherization training centers and local workforce development agencies," said David Hepinstall, Executive Director of the Association for Energy Affordability.
The National Community Action Foundation-ExxonMobil Weatherization Training Partnership was funded by a $5 million contribution from ExxonMobil to create a competitive grant program that supports advanced weatherization training models. The training models use creative curricula, innovative partnerships and cutting-edge technologies to train more skilled workers to meet the U.S. Administration's goal of weatherizing more homes. The partnership seeks to increase America's energy efficiency and stimulate job creation and economic growth by creating a sustainable career path for weatherization workers.
About the Association for Energy Affordability
The Association for Energy Affordability (AEA) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit training and technical services organization that represents and provides services to a diverse network of community-based organizations that are subgrantees of the Weatherization Assistance Program in New York administered by the Division of Housing & Community Renewal. AEA has been at the forefront of addressing energy efficiency in multifamily buildings. Today building owners and managers can take advantage of a broad range of weatherization and energy management programs and services offered by the AEA network. With a 23,000 sq. ft. energy services office and Energy Management Training Center in the South Bronx, and a midtown satellite office, AEA is accessible to the local communities it serves, as well as the broader statewide and national professional community.
About NCAF
NCAF is the voice of America's Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in Washington. NCAF works with members of Congress, the executive branch and state governments on behalf of the 1,100 local organizations in the Community Services Block Grant network to advocate for effective policies and meaningful resources that will address the root causes of poverty. NCAF analyzes national and state legislative and policy proposals and collects, analyzes and disseminates data about programs and investment strategies focused on reducing poverty in low-income communities. NCAF also serves as a liaison between the CAA network, allied national organizations and private sector leaders.
About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to find better, safer and cleaner ways to provide energy to support development and improved living standards around the world. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world.
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Source: Exxon Mobil Corporation
Released May 21, 2010