The Sunshine State welcomes you to join the over 1.3 million residents who call it home. Florida is famous for its warm subtropical weather and beautiful beaches. However, beneath this sunny exterior beat the powerful drums of progress and innovation. Innovative businesses and thriving industries call Florida home, creating an atmosphere rich in opportunity for those looking to break into the solar energy sector.
If you’re considering making the move to Florida and are seeking further education in solar energy, then this article is for you. We will discuss what you need to know about studying in Florida, paying for school, and what courses you ought to be considering to secure a job in the solar energy industry.
Where Can I Study?
With over 1.3 million residents, it’s safe to assume that Florida has one of the highest concentrations of solar energy students in the nation. This could be attributed to the state’s thriving industry and numerous accredited universities that offer specialized solar energy training.
Since 2011, the number of solar jobs in Florida has increased by 26%, reaching over 31,000 in 2021. Many large firms have set up offices in the state, further cementsing Florida’s position as a hub for the solar energy industry. Google, Apple, and Microsoft are just a few of the tech companies that have offices in the Sunshine State.
With over 1,400 accredited degree programs in Florida, you can be sure of finding an education program to suit your needs. You can also look into online degree completion programs through Florida’s public universities to further your education without leaving the comfort of your home. You can even get a part-time job in the retail sector, as solar energy is highly sought after and many retailers need employee assistance.
Is It Cheaper To Study In Florida?
One of the major considerations when choosing where to study is the cost of tuition. Since most solar jobs are in highly populated areas and many large firms have offices in the state, it stands to reason that the cost of tuition may be lower than you’d pay for a similar course in a university outside of Florida. This is especially attractive if you’re looking for an accredited and guaranteed degree.
Numerous scholarships and grants are offered to students who pursue further education in solar energy in Florida. The State’s main public university, the University of Florida, is a member of the prestigious Federal Pell Grant program, which offers students the opportunity to study in America’s Sunniest State for less than you’d pay in a traditional university. If you’re a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, you’re also eligible to apply for the Florida Tuition Fee Waiver, which will cover the cost of in-state tuition at public universities in Florida.
Can I Work While I Study?
Thanks to advancements in technology, virtual learning has become a viable option for students who want to continue their education despite the current pandemic. If you’re serious about securing a job in the solar energy sector, then getting a part-time job while you study is a great option. You can look into flexible teaching positions at local universities or consider getting a teaching assistant position at a private university.
Alternatively, you can even set up a learning community with your classmates via online platforms like Zoom or Teams to continue your education during this time. This is ideal for those who want to be able to work remotely and don’t want to be away from home for too long.
Is American Education Good?
You may be familiar with the fact that Florida is a member of the so-called “Group of 12,” a prestigious partnership between American colleges and universities. This partnership allows for the transfer of course materials and exams between members, so that more students can graduate with less debt. In addition, Group of 12 members work together to promote higher education in underserved communities. This is one of the reasons why your university may be a member of this partnership, as many prestigious universities see education as a pathway to social justice.
This education reform is not restricted to the Sunshine State, as other states like California, Texas, and New York have also enacted similar measures. In fact, in 2020 alone, over 40 states considered or enacted legislation that promoted access to postsecondary education. This reflects a shift in thinking among state policymakers, who in the past saw education as a way to alleviate poverty.
Even more impressively, the number of American students getting their education online increased by 23% in 2020, with nearly 1.9 million students taking at least some classes remotely. With many people being thrown off of traditional employment due to the current pandemic, further education could provide the opportunity to achieve the life you want. It may not be cheap, but America’s education system is certainly worth considering.