Robert Richards, a native Washingtonian, wanted to make a better life for himself and his daughter. He signed up for Solar Works DC as part of his reentry process, which showed him a career in solar is "doable."
GRID Alternatives Inland Empire (GRID IE) has partnered with the City of Riverside and Riverside County Workforce Development to provide Riverside residents the opportunity to participate in solar construction internships through the TCC Riverside Grant. These internships are designed to provide hands-on solar installation training over the course of 12 weeks, and to get trainees ready to enter the solar industry.
Dariyn Choates, Sacramento State graduate, former GRID job trainee, and now entrepreneur started his own solar panel cleaning business after graduating from GRID's solar installation basics training program and working as a solar panel installer.
Gun violence is tearing apart communities all over our country—including our own. But we've seen that when we pull together to uplift others, we can make an impact.
Despite inequities in our community, our environment, and our industry, the Solar Works DC program is a source of hope—by providing career opportunities, lower energy costs, and a healthier environment.
As the clean energy industry grows, it’s critical that environmental and social justice remains at the forefront of our efforts, including continued action to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into hiring practices and organizational culture, at all levels.
