After a successful pilot program in our Inland Empire office last year, GRID Alternatives is officially launching its first organization-wide Solar Spring Break, a national Alternative Spring Break program, in partnership with World Wildlife Fund. Starting in spring 2014, teams of students from across the country will have the opportunity to get on the roof with GRID, learning to install solar while making a difference for people and the planet.
We wanted to give college students who are passionate about renewable energy the chance to turn that passion into action doing projects that have a tangible impact on families lives, said Erica Mackie, CEO and Co-founder of GRID Alternatives.
Each project will host 10-12 college students travelling to one of GRID Alternatives' offices in California and Colorado. Student groups will be led by GRID's certified solar professionals in installing solar electric systems for local low-income families, from start to finish. In addition to the time spent installing solar, they will also have access to educational programming such as speakers and tours of renewable energy facilities, as well as free time to explore the beaches, cities, hiking, mountain biking and other attractions GRID Alternatives office locations have to offer.
Participating students will provide a $5,000 donation per team of 10-12 students for their Solar Spring Break. This donation is combined with state and local funding, grants and other philanthropy to cover the costs of the solar electric systems for the families.
Solar technology is becoming more accessible to families across the U.S. states Keya Chatterjee, Director of WWFs Renewable Energy Campaign. Solar Spring Break is a great opportunity for students to engage and learn more about this rapidly expanding energy source and its critical role in providing all income levels a clean and abundant energy source.