A new energy program has arrived on South Campus this semester.

Dr. Faye Murphy, TCC’s program development director, said the district received a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board grant to design an energy curriculum model for the state.

This model allows students currently employed in energy jobs and who have received instruction through industry training companies to be tested for college credit.

“This is a wonderful opportunity, open to all students,” said TCC curriculum assistant director Garry Tomerlin.

Murphy said students can receive credit for job skills they already have.

“It also allows students to get an A.A.S. [associate in applied science] degree, which is required for most jobs,” she said.

In this program, students are introduced to many different types of classes.

“Much of what is needed to work in a power plant is provided in our electronics cluster program,” she said.

“Students will learn about energy in heating and air conditioning, construction management, architectural technology as well as other science courses.”

Tarrant County College is not the first community college to begin this program.

“About 10 community colleges throughout Texas offer this type of program. However, many students do not know this because the program names are not always the same,” Murphy said.

“We hope to address this issue in our state model as well.”

Murphy expects this program to be a lasting success.

“As the program is implemented at TCCD, a continuous improvement plan will also be implemented,” she said.

“We know energy is essential for our economy, our lifestyle and our future. With this in mind, if we work with the industry in providing a program that meets their needs, the program will be with us for a long time.”

Sophomore Sharde Hampton said she is excited about the program.

“I think this program is way past due,” she said. “This is going to open up many doors for a lot of the students going into this particular type of business.”