Governor Wes Moore today announced the launch of the Higher Education Clean Energy Grant Pilot Program, a $9.2 million competitive pilot opportunity to support clean energy transitions within Maryland’s colleges and universities. The program will promote both workforce development and Maryland’s climate goals by funding solar installations, comprehensive campus clean energy planning, and specialized renewable energy sector academic programming.
“We need to prepare the next generation of Marylanders to lead industries of the future. Today, our administration takes an important step toward doing exactly that by investing in programs that will arm students with the skills they need to compete for jobs in clean energy,” said Gov. Moore. “Together, we are demonstrating how climate action builds new pathways to work, wages, and wealth.”
The pilot program is open to all of the state’s accredited two- and four-year colleges and universities. Participation must support workforce development programs that design courses and curricula focused on skills for careers in the renewable energy industry, in addition to internships that encourage hands-on student involvement in campus sustainability and workforce development projects.
The pilot provides funding for several key clean energy initiatives, including solar panel installation on Maryland’s campuses to boost onsite renewable energy production. Participating intuitions have the option to use or sell the renewable energy they generate. Funding will also support creation of campus clean energy master plans, which outline strategic paths for campuses to reduce energy consumption, integrate renewable energy, and reach sustainability goals.
“Maryland’s higher education institutions have a key role to play in reducing the state’s carbon footprint, while fostering the next generation of clean energy professionals,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “This pilot program empowers campuses to lead by example, creating cutting-edge energy solutions and providing students with essential opportunities in the booming green economy.”
Colleges and universities have until October 30 to review program guidelines and submit applications for consideration.
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Jay Ferguson
Who I Am
My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service!
Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well.
I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’.
Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I
have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you.
Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about!
Honesty. Integrity. Results.
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