POTSDAM -- Clarkson University's Institute for STEM Education recently partnered with St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, the Remington Museum of Art and three local contractors to provide hands-on energy efficiency training for students while helping the museum identify opportunities to improve two historic buildings.

The initiative, organized through Clarkson's Home Energy Awareness Team (CUHEAT), connected students in the BOCES Northwest Tech Center's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) program with industry professionals, providing practical experience and exposure to career opportunities in the North Country.

CUHEAT is a workforce development program funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) that prepares participants for careers in home energy auditing, weatherization and heating and cooling systems.

CUHEAT Project Manager Alex French introduced students to building science and energy performance before they completed a weatherization training program designed to complement their HVAC coursework.

Students then visited the Remington Museum in Ogdensburg to evaluate its main mansion and an adjacent former residence now used as staff offices.

Working alongside professionals from Holmes Mechanical, DMT Foam and Century Ahead Inspections, students measured air leakage, identified insulation gaps, inspected heating and cooling equipment and developed recommendations to improve energy efficiency while preserving the buildings' historic character.

"Maintaining and preserving these incredible historic buildings is an ongoing responsibility, and there is always more to learn about how they function and how we can care for them better," said Jamie Behm, operations manager at the Remington Museum of Art. "This partnership was a wonderful opportunity for BOCES students to gain hands-on experience working with historic properties, but it was just as valuable for us. We learned a great deal about the buildings we steward and the opportunities to improve their energy efficiency while protecting their historic character. We're proud of the work we're doing to preserve these buildings for future generations, and grateful for partnerships like this that help us do that work more thoughtfully and sustainably."

Students also met with the contractors to discuss career opportunities, employer expectations and earning potential in the North Country.

Through initiatives like CUHEAT, Clarkson’s Institute for STEM Education is connecting education, local industry and community organizations to strengthen the North Country's skilled workforce while helping improve energy efficiency across the region.