Collin College was one of 17 colleges in Texas that will receive a portion of a $3.51 million in Job Building Fund grants from the Texas Comptroller’s office.

            Collin College’s Engineering Department is slated to receive $124,490 to purchase equipment to upgrade the Electronics Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program, the Digital Home Technology Integration (DHTI) SMART Home program and Green Technology AAS program to include photovoltaic solar energy training.

In addition to its regular college courses, Collin College’s Engineering Department will use this equipment as part of its technical dual credit program with Allen ISD in fall 2010.

            Photovoltaic solar energy training refers to teaching students about solar cell technology and how to install solar energy panels and technology. The capability to perform NABCEP Solar Installation Certification classes at Collin College will become a reality with the equipment purchased using grant funding.

The Job Building Fund grants help finance equipment purchases for new career and technical education programs that support high-growth industries throughout the state.

Visit www.collin.edu for more information.