npt2 Receives National Science Foundation Grant
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The National Network for Pulp and Paper Technology Training (npt2) was granted continuing support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the project entitled "NPT2 -- Building a Technologically Advanced Pulp, Paper, and Allied Industries Workforce and Contributing to the Development of the Nation's Renewable Energy Capacity." The grant is under the direction of T. J. Murphy (Executive Director of the Center), Dumont B. Henderson, Barbara McDonald, Harry T. Cullinan, Mary B. Cornell and Ralph Benefiel.
Effective August 15, 2009 the award is a continuing grant that has been approved on scientific/technical merit for a three-year duration. Other NSF Centers of Excellence have been established for the fields of Aerospace, Agriscience, Biotechnology and Marine Advanced Technology.
Established in June 2004, npt2 has the mission of providing the pulp and paper sector of the U.S. forest products industry with a globally competitive, technologically advanced workforce, and giving students and workers across the nation exciting and effective education and training opportunities. Since its inception, the National Network members have provided critical training and education services to the pulp and paper industries through a scholarships-internships-jobs model based on academic and industry partnerships.
The renewal funding will be used to support the following areas: (1) Broad Outreach, (2) Curriculum Development and Enhancement, (3) Sustainability, (4) Student Recruitment, Retention and Job Placement, and (5) Faculty Development. It also provides provisions for the research, development and implementation of curriculum to accommodate the cellulose-based, renewable energy initiatives currently undertaken at the country's pulp and paper mills which could then be used as a model program for other colleges and universities to help meet the nation's energy needs.
The National Network is a part of the Technologically Advanced Workforce (TAW) platform supported as an important technology platform by the American Forest and Paper Association's special project group Agenda 2020 and TAPPI. Visit www.npt2.org to learn more.
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