Great Lakes ReNEW - NSF Regional Innovation Engine (Workforce Development Component)

Great Lakes ReNEW - NSF Regional Innovation Engine

Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)

Total Award (Great Lakes ReNEW): Up to $160 million over 10 years

Lead Organization: Current (Chicago-based water innovation hub)

Geographic Scope: Six-state Great Lakes region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin)

WRTP | BIG STEP Role: Workforce partner for Wisconsin

Overview

WRTP | BIG STEP is the designated workforce development partner in Wisconsin for the Great Lakes ReNEW innovation engine. The project focuses on developing and commercializing water innovation technologies while building an inclusive workforce for the clean water and circular economy sectors.

Key Initiative Details

• Announcement Date: January 29, 2024
• Award Type: NSF Regional Innovation Engine (one of 10 inaugural awards)
• Partnership Model: Six-state collaboration coordinated by Current in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory and University of Chicago
• Selection: Chosen from 16 finalists, 188 invited proposals, and 700+ initial submissions

Mission

Fulfill NSF's mission of spurring economic growth in regions that have not fully participated in the technology boom. Turn waste into wealth by recovering and reusing water, energy, nutrients, and critical materials from wastewater.

Research Focus Areas

• Recovery of dangerous forever chemicals (PFAS) from wastewater
• Extraction of valuable minerals (lithium) from wastewater
• Domestic production of batteries and fertilizers (currently imported)
• Water quality and security innovation
• Circular economy development

WRTP | BIG STEP Workforce Component

• Role: Customize training for apprenticeship entry in clean water sector
• Geographic Focus: Milwaukee and beyond
• Goal: Ensure everyone has access to careers in water safety and clean water innovation
• Approach: Connect workforce development systems from community-based organizations to credentialing programs, community colleges, and universities
• Focus: Training and careers for individuals affected by joblessness and systemic barriers to participation

Partners (50+ organizations)

Includes research institutions, industry, investors, government, and nonprofit organizations such as:
• Argonne National Laboratory
• University of Chicago
• Northwestern University
• Marquette University
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Purdue University
• Ohio State University
• University of Michigan
• University of Minnesota
• City Colleges of Chicago
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Major corporations: Dow, Exelon, AO Smith, Whirlpool
• Multiple state governments and agencies

State Support

• Illinois: $2 million in state funding
• Bipartisan support from governors in Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin

Contact Information

WRTP | BIG STEP Wisconsin Headquarters:
• Address: 3841 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208
• Phone: (414) 342-9787
• Email: milwaukee@wrtp.org
• Website: wrtp.org

Current (Lead Organization):

Website: current.org

Executive Director: Alaina Harkness

Location: Chicago, IL

Key Quotes:

Lindsay Blumer (WRTP | BIG STEP CEO & President): "WRTP | BIG STEP is proud to be the workforce partner in Wisconsin to ensure everyone has access to careers in ensuring our water is safe for generations to come. The training we provide will be customized for those entering apprenticeship in the clean water sector in Milwaukee and beyond."