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CMU Launches Request For Workforce Development Proposals

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Nov 30, 2012 at 4:37 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2012 at 5:31 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Colorado Mesa University needs ideas to help decide how they'll use a $3.2 million endowment.

CMU officials say about a year ago, the community explored the idea of putting a center in the Redifer Research Institute at CMU to further the goal of becoming an epicenter of energy innovation.

The university received a grant from the Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease Board of $1.6 million and CMU matched the grant, creating a $3.2 million endowment.

Officials say in an economic development perspective, the Grand Valley has a special opportunity to become an energy epicenter based on all that surrounds the valley, including solar wind, oil shale, and natural gas.

"It's very important, not just for CMU, but for our community. We're a major player in the economic development realm here in the valley and what we want to do is bring people together," said Derek Wagner, director of strategic initiatives.

Officials say the endowment gained interest of $160,000 this year, and they're open for proposals to help form Mesa County's vision and goal of becoming an epicenter of energy innovation.

They have two committees, an applied research and workforce development committee that will decipher which proposals should be used that meet the most of the communities needs.

They hope to invest funds each year in targeted applied research and workforce development projects in the region.

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