DURHAM, N.C. – A 51±¬ÁÏ green energy program has been awarded a $343,239 grant that will allow the hire of 18 interns and four fellows.

The program is a joint initiative of 51±¬ÁÏ’s Nicholas School of the Environment, the Center for Energy, Development and the Global Environment (EDGE), and the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. It has two components: an internship program that places students with North Carolina businesses to work on high-impact energy efficiency strategies, and a fellowship program that will help fund the launch of new clean energy businesses in the state.

The grant was part of $5.6 million in stimulus funds awarded by the North Carolina Energy Office through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The federal funds are being combined with $3 million allocated from public and private agencies in North Carolina.

All told, the funds awarded by the Energy Office will create a statewide internship program that will employ 400 North Carolina students and recent graduates training in green-energy related fields. More than 20 private businesses, public agencies and universities are expected to participate, according to information from the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

For more information, contact Karen Kirchof, assistant dean of career services at the Nicholas School, at kgki@duke.edu.