This month, forty brand new SolarCorps Fellows are putting on hardhats and hitting the roof and the streets as they embark on a year of service with GRID. These fellows will spend the next thirteen months working at GRID under the national AmeriCorps program, gaining hands-on training and skills to access jobs in the booming solar industry, while helping spread solar in low-income communities.
The Corporation for National and Community Service has supported GRID through AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA since 2006. In addition, Pacific Gas & Electric Company sponsors eight SolarCorps Fellows serving in California offices. To date more than 200 people have received training through GRID’s SolarCorps program.
“Many of our SolarCorps members come from the very communities we are serving with our Solar Affordable Housing Program,” said Tim Sears, co-founder of GRID Alternatives. “SolarCorps provides them an opportunity to not only launch careers in a growing industry, but also make a real difference on the ground for families that need the energy cost savings and job training opportunities the most.”
Marine veteran Eric Plowman is one of GRID’s newest SolarCorps Construction Fellows. He first landed at GRID as a job trainee, which gave him the chance to learn at his own pace before applying for a SolarCorps position.
“GRID offers a unique opportunity,” Eric said. “It is the one job training experience where you can see the results, face-to-face with the families you help. What a confidence builder!”
While GRID’s newest fellows are rolling up their sleeves and getting to work, the 2015-2016 cohort are wrapping up their year of service and preparing for what lies ahead. These SolarCorps members are responsible for helping retrofit 1,500 low-income homes with solar power and helping 200 economically disadvantaged individuals gain employment in the solar industry. The cohort also had 90% success rate for job placements following their year of service. At an alumni panel during the pre-service orientation for the new SolarCorps members, outgoing fellows shared their experiences and advice.
“What’s exciting about being a SolarCorps Fellow is, because you’re on the front lines and because your voice matters, you have the ability to try new things and develop new processes,” said Erika Aragon, a SolarCorps Program Fellow finishing up her year in GRID’s Inland Empire office. “That’s how we get things done.”