(CHAPEL HILL) -- With the help of a grant from the North Carolina Energy Office, a new internship and fellowship program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will focus on building a skilled clean energy workforce in North Carolina. A renewable energy student fee will be combined with the nearly $325,000 grant to fund the program.

"There is a growing demand among students to participate in energy-related internships and learning activities," said Greg Gangi, the associate director for education at the UNC Institute for the Environment.  The Institute is leading the program.

Developing Energy Leaders through Action will offer more than 60 undergraduate and graduate internships and some three year fellowships for recent graduates. Students will participate in applied research and direct assistance work across the state with groups ranging from UNC and Fortune 500 energy companies to local and state governments and non-governmental organizations.

The program is one of a host of projects in a new state-wide Energy Office initiative receiving $5.6 million in Recovery Act funds to create 400 energy economy jobs and internships for college students.