Wind Scholars Program (Emerging Energy Scholars)

Program Purpose: Award scholarships to students interested in acquiring skills and knowledge in renewable energy (offshore wind) and facilitate internships with industry partners to gain paid, practical experience.

Background: Launched by the Beach at UNO in partnership with the Dr. Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering. Program recognizes the U.S. offshore wind industry growth and the need for a skilled workforce. Plans include installing wind farms in the Gulf of Mexico capable of powering over 1 million homes in Louisiana.

Available Tracks

Engineering Tracks:

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
• Graduate Studies in Engineering

Supply Chain Operations & Logistics Track:

• Available through Henry Bernstein College of Business Administration
• Combines three courses from the ScOL Concentration, one independent study course (Collegiate Wind Competition), and practical internship experience
• Courses: MANG 3402 (Operations Management), MANG 3491 (Independent Study), MANG 4472 (Supply Chain Management), MANG 4474 (Purchasing and Logistics Management)

Scholarship Details

• Award Amount: $5,000 per student
• Use: Covers cost of four required courses (12 credit hours total)
• Payment Method: $1,250 per course, routed to student's UNO account through Office of Financial Aid, paid upon proof of successful course completion
• Internship Component: Paid internship or work experience with wind energy company (hours and pay vary by company)

Eligibility Requirements

• Current UNO student in one of the eligible engineering disciplines or business track
• Maintain 3.0 GPA minimum throughout program
• Maintain full-time student status
• Submit unofficial transcript at end of each semester for verification
• Complete all courses and work experience within maximum of two academic years
• Prior completion of some required courses permitted; program will coordinate on remainder

Contact Information

• Contact: Blair Bourgeois
• Email: bbourgeois@thebeachuno.org

Program Status: Application period is currently closed

Application Process

Current Status: Application period is currently closed

Required Components (when application period opens):

1. Submit application through program portal
2. Enroll in four required courses (12 credit hours total) from cultivated course listing
3. At conclusion of each semester:
   • Submit unofficial transcript documenting successful course completion
   • Provide proof of GPA maintenance (3.0 minimum)
4. Participate in internship/work experience placement with industry partner

Payment Process:

• Submit unofficial transcript at end of each semester
• Receive $1,250 payment per course upon verification of successful completion
• Funds routed to student's UNO account through Office of Financial Aid

Program Requirements:

• Complete all courses within two academic years
• Maintain full-time student status
• Maintain 3.0 GPA throughout participation
• Participate in work experience/internship with matched wind energy company

Additional Notes:

• Students who have completed some required courses should indicate this in application
• Program will coordinate course scheduling based on prior coursework
• Internship placement based on student experience, availability, and company needs