Association of Energy Engineers
New York Chapter
The Richard Koral Scholarship Program
The NY Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers is pleased to announce the creation of the Richard Koral Scholarship. The first award will be made for the 2009-2010 academic year to a teacher in science-technology-engineering-math (STEM) at one of NYC’s premier public secondary schools, Brooklyn Tech.
A Novel Scholarship Approach
We usually think of scholarships as going to students. We have instead chosen this novel approach – awarding to a teacher – because of it’s potentialfor multipling impacts by guiding students into the field of energy efficiency and renewables. Our scholarship award will be made to a teacher who is willing to undertake a professional development course of study to learn about energy engineering and then introduce this subject matter into his or her courses, class activities, and student guidance.We will also provide free attendance at chapter meetings for the awardee and three of his/her students for the program year. We hope to establish a durable working relationship with Brooklyn Tech and to help them introduce bright students into our industry and this exciting field of endeavor.
Just as energy and energy efficiency are being recognized as part of the nation’s public policy priorities, so too is STEM education being recognized as a key national need. The same growing awareness exists at the state and city levels. We hope to provide a useful model for how schools and professionals can work together.
Why Brooklyn Tech?
Because Richard Koral is an alumnus of Brooklyn Tech, class of 1940(?). He grew up in Brooklynand still resides there.
Also because Brooklyn Tech is an important NYC institution, one of the three famous “specialized” public high schools, along with Stuyvesant and Bronx HS of Science. Tech has long maintained its commitment to high quality technical education. Its students are pre-qualified by examination and offer a strong pool of candidates for careers in the energy industry.
The Enduring Legacy of Richard Koral
Richard has been a major influence on many of us. He has been a guiding force in creating the energy efficiency community in New York City as it exists today, in particular that segment serving multifamily housing. His Apartment House Institute at NYCCollege of Technology (CUNY-City Tech) has been a center for education, training and reliable information on energy efficiency since the late 1970’s.
His work with cooperative associations, property managers, building superintendents, state and city governmentis a testament to how a single person’s persistent dedication to a body of knowledge can multiply its impact by informing and inspiring others. Just as he has drawn many current practitioners into the field, so we hope to extend his legacy into the future.
Important Opportunities in Energy Efficiency and Renewables
We can hardly imagine a more timely moment for this scholarship. Global carbon reduction has become an ethical imperative. Englightened national energy policy finally seems immanent. This changing environment will require a greatly expanded workforce in our industry. Many new positions will open, career opportunities will expand, and our industry will be an important part of economic recovery. We can help create a steady stream of bright, motivated, skilled entrants who will have great opportunities.
Contributions Welcome
We hope to continue support of the scholarship program for years to come. We can envision support for classroom and lab materials, for additional faculty support, for awards to guidance counselors, and for student awards.
At present, the Chapter is funding the program out of operating reserves. We also received a generous in-kind donation from noted industry speaker and long-time friend Mr. Dan Halohan. Dan waived his normal speaking fee for his well attended talk at our November 2008 chapter meeting, raising $2,000 for the scholarship fund.
Your donation to the chapter will help us continue this great, novel program.[1]
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[1] Please note that while contributions are welcome, the Chapter is not a 501C corporation and thus donations are not tax-deductible.