Dive Brief:
- The University of Massachusetts Amherst will install more than 15,000 solar panels throughout campus, to save more than $6 million in energy costs over the next 20 years.
- The university will partner with Massachusetts-based companies, Brightergy, to purchase energy generated by the panels, which will be installed this year.
- Brightergy will provide more than $123,000 in scholarship funds over the next three years and will establish a campus-based green energy learning lab for STEM students.
Dive Insight:
Colleges and universities nationwide are seeking partnerships with private industries to create new revenue sources, but schools that can pair with companies to increase services or operational efficiencies are forging long-term investments to make campuses more attractive, affordable or convenient for students, which can lead to increased enrollment.
Clemson is a recent example of partnership with faculty and vendors for capital development on campus, but companies like John Deere working with Madison College, and Maryland’s partnerships program, showcase direct engagement opportunities with corporations to fill workforce needs while boosting student training opportunities.