The project impacts the preparation of technicians and engineers for the many industries that develop alternatively powered products now and in the future. The project impacts much of Ohio and provides a model that can be replicated anywhere. A new emerging power technology (EPT) curriculum is developed and is incorporated into College Tech Prep programs at the secondary level and advances to an EPT option that complement engineering technology programs at four community colleges. There is a natural progression to baccalaureate engineering programs at five participating universities, which strengthens their curriculum in fuel cell and other emerging power technologies on their own or through this project and enhances their articulation arrangements with participating two-year colleges. The goal infuses existing programs with content on emerging power technologies, enabling education and businesses to maintain the interdisciplinary nature of fuel cell research and applications. Business involvement with curriculum development and teacher training, and student experiences with fuel cell research labs and emerging power technology companies, and close integration of education programs are cornerstones of the project. Faculty training and ongoing professional development opportunities are an essential project component to ensure the continued delivery of updated content in the classroom.
