(1) Establishment
(A) In general
The Secretary shall establish a program to be known as the New Era Rural Technology Program, to make grants available for technology development, applied research, and training to aid in the development of an agriculture-based renewable energy workforce.
(B) Support The initiative under this section shall support the fields of
(i) bioenergy;
(ii) pulp and paper manufacturing; and
(iii) agriculture-based renewable energy resources.
(2) Requirements for funding To receive funding under this section, an entity shall
(A) be a community college or advanced technological center, located in a rural area and in existence on the date of the enactment of this section, that participates in agricultural or bioenergy research and applied research;
(B) have a proven record of development and implementation of programs to meet the needs of students, educators, and business and industry to supply the agriculture-based, renewable energy or pulp and paper manufacturing fields with certified technicians, as determined by the Secretary; and
(C) have the ability to leverage existing partnerships and occupational outreach and training programs for secondary schools, 4-year institutions, and relevant
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nonprofit organizations.