To create new educational opportunities for the next generation of wind power technicians in this fast-growing industry, PPM Energy today announced US$ 250,000 in support for innovative college training programs in Oregon and Iowa.

PPM Energy announced a three-year funding commitment for the Columbia Gorge Community College Renewable Energy Technician training program in Oregon and dedicated the new PPM Energy classroom at Iowa Lakes Community College Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program in Iowa. Last April, PPM Energy announced a gift of US$ 100,000 for a new classroom at the Iowa Lakes Estherville campus, the oldest wind technician training program in the USA. In addition, PPM Energy committed US $ 50,000 per year for three years to Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles, Oregon., to assist in the development of its renewable energy training program, the first of its kind on the West Coast. The funds will be used primarily for faculty support.