The program is called EDGE (Education and Developing workers for the Green Economy). It was paid for with a $4 million grant the State Department of Labor.
EDGE is the first of its kind collaborative bio-energy training program.
The six-month certificate program is a joint effort between University of San Diego, Mira Costa College, San Diego State University, The San Diego Center for Algae Biology (SDCAB) and several biofuel companies.
EDGE offers students evening classes and training that range from entry-level technician training to a Masters of Science degree.
UCSD professor and SDCAB founder, Stephen Mayfield, PhD., started the EDGE program. He said he predicts the demand for bio-energy workers will skyrocket in the next two to five years.
He also called EDGE a "forward thinking" project and said it is a pro-active program that will prepare a workforce for an inevitable boom in the bio-energy field.
EDGE is accepting applications now through the UCSD extension website. Classes are expected to start April 1st.
Tuition is free for students enrolled in the EDGE program for the next two years.
