Volunteers

Despite the unprecedented action, inequality is not a new or unrecognized problem in the renewables industry. It remains to be seen whether these newest expressions of upset and accompanying initiatives to combat racism within and outside company ranks will continue.

GRID Alternatives Inland Empire provides hands-on classroom education and curriculum, as well as invaluable on-the roof job training through its Solar Futures program. This program equips youth with the tools necessary to propel them into a promising solar career. GRID IE’s mission to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy could not be possible without our community partners.

“Workforce development, job creation, and access to health and housing services are some of the most pressing needs facing Black, Hispanic-Latino, and Native American individuals,” said Ebony Thomas, Bank of America’s Racial Equality and Economic Opportunity Executive. “By providing this support alongside our national and local partners, we are further addressing many of the challenges facing under-resourced and underserved communities across the U.S.”

Ivan is a GRID client and passionate community advocate of our program who was instrumental in getting solar installed on 40 homes in his neighborhood with GRID. Currently, he is block co-captain along with his wife, a Hmong resident and a first generation Mexican in his community neighborhood of homes and a senior villa. He wants to make sure to be unified in his community. 

Meet Ugochukwu (Ugo)!

Ugo studied solar installation with our partner organization, Proteus Inc. After the first install with GRID Alternatives and listening to a presentation by a current staff member, he acquired a strong desire and admiration towards GRID and decided to volunteer. Within three months, he gained a Team Leader Certification and participated at Solarthon 2016, which he enjoyed very much. Ugo is now nearing his fifth year in the Construction Department and he considers himself very blessed to be employed by GRID Alternatives.

A $300,000 grant from Bank of America is helping to fund the SolarCorps Fellowship Program, which has up to 40 SolarCorps Fellows complete one-year, full-time paid positions focusing on solar installation, community outreach, and workforce development in GRID offices across the country. Throughout their year of service, participants from diverse backgrounds gain valuable experience and skills in the solar energy and nonprofit industries, helping to launch their renewable energy careers, while making significant contributions to the communities GRID serves.