Award Abstract # 0902811
NPT2 -- Building a Technologically Advanced Pulp, Paper , and Allied Industries Workforce and Contributing to the Development of the Nation's Renewable Energy Capacity

NSF Org: DUE
Division Of Undergraduate Education
Recipient: ALABAMA SOUTHERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Initial Amendment Date: August 13, 2009
Latest Amendment Date: December 10, 2012
Award Number: 0902811
Award Instrument: Continuing Grant
Program Manager: Gerhard L. Salinger
DUE
 Division Of Undergraduate Education
EHR
 Direct For Education and Human Resources
Start Date: August 15, 2009
End Date: July 31, 2013 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $2,942,763.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $2,942,763.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2009 = $2,088,565.00
FY 2011 = $854,198.00
History of Investigator:
  • Harry Cullinan (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Dumont Henderson (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Mary Cornell (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Charles Shepherd (Former Principal Investigator)
  • Timothy Murphy (Former Principal Investigator)
  • Ralph Benefiel (Former Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Alabama Southern Community College
P O Box 2000
Monroeville
AL  US  36461-2000
(251)575-8224
Sponsor Congressional District: 01
Primary Place of Performance: Alabama Southern Community College
P O Box 2000
Monroeville
AL  US  36461-2000
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
01
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): Advanced Tech Education Prog,
EPSCoR Co-Funding
Primary Program Source: 0109 NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
0409 NSF Education & Human Resource

0411 NSF Education & Human Resource
Program Reference Code(s): 1032, 9150, 9178, SMET
Program Element Code(s): 7412, 9150
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.076

ABSTRACT

The National Network for Pulp and Paper Technology Training, with four regional nodes and 15 community colleges, provides the pulp and paper sector of the US forest products industry with a globally competitive, technologically advanced workforce through recruiting, retaining and placing students; developing and implementing standards, certificates, curriculum and professional development; and disseminating products to other community colleges. The National Network increases outreach to employers, professional organizations, colleges and high schools including the development and approval of standards and certifications. The curriculum is expanded to include standards, curriculum materials and professional development that emphasize the wood-based renewable energy used in pulp and paper mills that can be used nationally to reduce dependence on petroleum. Goals for recruitment and professional development workshops for high school faculty and include at least 200 new students per year with 35% being from underrepresented groups and 40% from rural areas and with 70% completing the program. The goal of 70% of the graduates being employed within six months of graduation is implemented through research on the return on investment by companies from hiring graduates of the program.

PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT

Disclaimer

This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.

 

The Situation

Within the next ten years it is estimated that between 25% to 50% of the employees of the pulp and paper industry will retire or change careers and leave the profession.  Whereas training for these specialized technical positions has always brought challenges now more that ever the rush to fill vacancies and the development of a plan for filling future vacancies is paramount.  


Addressing the Need

The phenomenon of online learning at all levels of education is increasing each year.  This expansion is not predicted to decrease, but in fact is anticipated to increase exponentially.  The growth in online delivery brings new challenges for curriculum developers to generate rigorous yet motivating online learning experiences in a timely manner that can be sustained.

Typically, pulp and paper training consists of hiring laborers with limited skills and providing them with in-house job shadowing opportunities or by luring employees away from competitor’s factories and mills.  New employees usually lack the specific skills needed in the industry.  Having the opportunity to access training such as online courses, would provide employees the convenience of learning on their own time at their individual pace, in a setting selected by them.


The Solution

The foremost authorities in the field of pulp and paper have collaborated to develop a suite of online courses.  These courses consist of lecture recordings, student assessments and laboratory experiences.  Practitioners, paper makers, specialty vendors, and academia have worked to provide the most comprehensive collection of online courses ever assembled. Pulp and paper mills can access the classes to provide training or area community colleges can offer training for credit which could possibly lead to certification or a degree.


Titles of online courses:

Pulp Mill Operations                                     Paper Mill Operations

Recovery                                                      Environmental

Coating                                                         Wet End Chemistry

Tissue                                                           Pulp Labs

Paper Labs                                                   Recycling

Paper Machine                                ...

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