As a former network administrator, and wife of a network engineer, I have seen first-hand massive energy sucking data centers. Businesses have an opportunity to cut energy costs, and ultimately their overall carbon footprint, by focusing on green information technology upgrades. Now residents of Omaha, Nebraska can earn a two-year degree in green data center management at Metropolitan Community College (MCC).

 

MCC, in conjunction with IBM, offers this first of its kind degree at the following campuses: Fort Omaha, South Omaha, Elkhorn Valley, and via online learning. Upon completing the Information Technology – Data Center Management Option (ITDCO), students will receive an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

 

"We're seeing a dramatic increase in demand here in Nebraska for specialists who understand how to help companies reduce the costs associated with running an energy-intensive data center," said Tom Pensabene, Dean of Information Technology of Metropolitan Community College. Source: GreenBiz

 

Metropolitan Community College, a member of the North Central Association, is a public educational institution that was founded in 1974. The college offers more than 100 career, degree, and transfer programs. Unlike most traditional four-year universities, the average age of the MCC student is 30.

 

While listening to NPR this morning, I heard a segment about the state of community college enrollment. As the nation’s economy began to decline, community college enrollment increased. Displaced workers have been returning to school to beef up their educational background or to switch careers completely.

 

The green jobs movement has already made its mark on the nation’s community colleges. For more information on how community colleges are playing a role in the nation’s green economy, read Community colleges: Green degree enrollment up and Community colleges to provide green jobs training.