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University of Wisconsin- Extension Creates Certificates in Sustainable Management; UW-River Falls Offers 12-credit Certificate

MADISON, Wis. April 28, 2010 – In its report issued last week, "Measuring the Green Economy," the U.S. Commerce Department provided proof that the green economy is well-poised for growth. With the green economy at the top of America's agenda, the University of Wisconsin-Extension has crafted two online certificates in Sustainable Management to help employees in existing jobs improve their skills or displaced workers transition to jobs in emerging green industries. Enrollment is open for the summer semester.

Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman said, "A key driver of economic success in Wisconsin, today and into the future, is a workforce trained and ready to take advantage of clean energy jobs. The Sustainable Management certificates support Governor Doyle's workforce agenda. By helping displaced workers retool, the green certificates can open the door to one of the 16,000 jobs we predict the Governor's comprehensive package will create by 2025."

David Schejbal, dean of the University of Wisconsin-Extension Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning division, stated, "Many employers are beginning to recognize the need to transform their entire workforce. The green economy requires new skills, new competencies and a new worldview. The challenge is, how do you educate people who are already on the job? Now, adult workers looking for an entry point into the green economy have a new way to retool: online. Within two semesters, employees can put the lessons learned into practice on the manufacturing floor or in the office boardroom."

The University of Wisconsin-Extension worked with members of its Advisory Board— companies such as Johnson Controls and Sacred Heart Hospital—to tailor the curriculum to meet the needs of employers. Students may choose the15-credit Sustainable Enterprise Management certificate available through UW-Parkside, UWStout and UW-Superior. Or, they may choose the 12-credit Sustainable Management Science certificate available through UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout and UWSuperior. Should returning students decide to continue on and earn a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management, all certificate courses apply toward the degree.

The curriculum is offered online, which is what appealed to Brent Jiter, a process scientist with Abbott Laboratories. He plans to enroll in the Sustainable Enterprise Management certificate this summer at UW-Parkside. "Because the entire curriculum is available online, I'm able to continue along my career path while furthering my education with a certificate bearing the University of Wisconsin name." For more information, visit http://sustain.wisconsin.edu/certificates or call Anna Schryver or Amy Pikalek at 608-225-5476 or 608-262-6660.

Source: U.S. Commerce Department’s Economics and Statistics Administration "Measuring the Green Economy," April 2010

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