Women in Solar

Boulder’s Family Learning Center, which is working to mentor and tutor 40 low-income parents in early childhood development, child educational advocacy and early childhood professional development, and Bridge House, the local homelessness services provider behind the Ready to Work program that strives to end homelessness through employment, are competing against three Denver groups for the extra funding.

The project is part of GRID Alternatives' Women In Solar program. The program works to empower women seeking technical careers in the solar industry.

"Seeing the women on the roof just killing it day after day gave me a lot of encouragement," said Scott.

"GRID brings together women to create a supportive, inclusive environment, where women can work together and gain the skills needed to advance their careers in the clean energy industry," said Adrienne Dorsey, Executive Director of GRID Alternatives Colorado.

According to the Solar Foundation’s Solar Industry Diversity Study, women continue to be underrepresented in the solar industry. GRID’s Women in Solar program aims to help participants gain hands-on solar installation experience while working alongside other women of varying experience levels.

Erica Mackie is the CEO of Grid Alternatives, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that has helped nearly 15,000 low-income families to go solar at no cost. It has also provided more than 42,000 people with solar education and job training. Mackie co-founded Grid Alternatives in 2001 while working as an engineer in the private sector, and since then the organization has become a driving force for access and equity in the PV industry.