Sometimes it's not enough to merely say that the hot ticket for a guaranteedfuture job is training in solar technology. Sometimes not even an article inthe venerable New York Times is enough to alert those seeking job training andthose wanting to increase their already existing skills that the way to future economic prosperity isthough studying at solar schools. In many cases private industry has teamed upwith non-profit organizations and educational institutions to get the word outand make gaining solar credentials more attractive and affordable. If thepromise of a green job isn't enough, organizations are finding ways to make therewards of solar schools more immediate.

Scholarships are one of the ways to help make education more easily attainable.One organization, Capital Idea of Austin Texas, is helping students study solartechnology at Austin Community College bypaying for their books, tuition, and in at least one case paying for part ofchild daycare. The program at Austin Community College offersstudents an associate's degree in Renewable Energy Specialization in Solar PhotovoltaicEnergy. At least fifty of the students are currently studying under fullscholarship. Experts say this isn't a surprising figure considering theexpected job growth in green technology and the public need to consume as much as they can. But others at Capital Idea say that whatis surprising is that additional funds are available, but not enough peoplehave shown interest in the scholarships to solar schools.

It's not just at the community college level that free rides are being offered.Other institutions are generous assistance in attending higher education solarschools. The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technologyis offering to U.S.students scholarships to study solar technology. The program offers study inalternative and sustainable energy, and the studies will be located on a campuspowered entirely by renewable, mainly solar, energy. Assistance includes 100%free tuition, books, laptop, housing, travel expense reimbursement, exam feereimbursement, and no conditions upon graduation. The program will offer bothmaster's degrees and doctorates.

Other organizations endeavor to not only reach out to prospective students butto educate the entire public on the need for and solar schools. One of the better-known projects,the National Energy Education & Development Project (NEED) strives to makeawareness of the need for renewable energy a regular part of the public schoolcurriculum. NEED makes all of its curriculum free and readily available toteachers and schools. Other organizations have done similar things on a localor state level. For instance the Texas State Energy Conservation Officecommissioned lesson plans for grades kindergarten through twelve to be used atall Texaspublic schools.

While vast sectors of the workforce have been laid off and others are facing anuncertain future, is an area of study that has adequate funding andguaranteed job placement. What it doesn't yet have are enough studentscurrently enrolled. But if the collaboration of industry, government, andnon-profit organizations achieve their goal, we will all soon know about thebenefits of studying at a solar school.