By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-842351.mp3
Buffalo, NY – National Grid says it is investing $250,000 into UB's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
The funding will be used to encourage Buffalo Public School students to pursue a careers in science and engineering. National Grid CEO Steve Holliday appeared in Buffalo Tuesday morning to present the check to University. He was joined by UB president John Simpson and Buffalo Mayor Brown at UB's Jacobs Center downtown.
Holliday says there will be a large need for these types of careers as the energy field changes.
"How we adapt to climate change. How we build smarter, renewable systems in the future. Those are profound changes in our industry. It is going to require a lot of very smart and very talented people to help us handle the future," said Holliday
The money will be used toward existing programs, including the BEAM program. That stands for Buffalo-area Engineering Awareness for Minorities.The funds will be also be used to create a five year program that will introduce Buffalo school kids in grades six through 12 to careers in biomedical and green energy industries.
An oversized check was signed by Holliday to the University durning a news conference. "This is a very fine day," said Simpson as he thanked National Grid.
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