Since 2006, GRID Alternatives has been fortunate to have the support of AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers. Members have given a year of service to help build GRID from the ground up. We hired our first VISTA to be part of what was then just a five-person team. From writing grant proposals, to learning to install solar, to recruiting volunteers, to putting together donated office furniture, and everything in-between, the hard work of these early VISTAs shaped the culture, work ethic and foundation of what GRID Alternatives is today. Many of our longest-serving staff members are program graduates, and VISTA volunteers, now part of our SolarCorps program, continue to support GRID Alternatives as we expand into new regions and develop new programs to expand our reach.
Where are they now?
GRID Alternatives’ AmeriCorps VISTA program has launched successful renewable energy careers for many of its graduates, from permanent positions at GRID Alternatives to jobs at major solar companies. Other graduates have pursued higher education, or chosen careers in other fields, but for all of them it has been an opportunity to gain a deep and broad skill base in the renewable energy industry, making a lasting impact in their communities. Here’s a peek at where just a few of our VISTAs are now:
Marco Casares was born in Tijuana, and moved to San Diego when he was young. Marco had a passion for solar power, and after graduating from school he started volunteering on local GRID Alternatives projects to gain experience in the field. He then came on as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, training other community members and job trainees, learning all aspects of residential solar operations, and even taking additional night classes in solar with GRID Alternatives’ support. Marco's dedication paid off – after he completed his year of service, he was hired as a Residential PV Drafter at REC Solar, and recently accepted a more advanced position as a Residential PV Designer at HelioPower.
Many of GRID’s AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers continue their careers with us. Steve Fernandez began his year of service in 2008 when he left his home in Philadelphia to become an Americorps VISTA volunteer in our San Diego office. As an Outreach and Program Fellow, Steve helped the young office sign-up clients and furthered his knowledge in solar. With the skills he learned from the San Diego team, Steve took the leap and applied to become the Regional Director of the new Central Coast office at the age of 26. He got the job and lead that team for more than three years before taking yet another leap and becoming the Program Director of our New York tri-State office.
Motivated by passion for environmental stewardship and social justice, Kristin Lester is one of our newest AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers, based out of our Colorado office. Through study of the social, economic and environmental impact of energy development on the Colorado Plateau, Kristin gained experience collaborating with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This inspired her drive to help build capacity for community-based development and renewable energy. Kristin’s position is one-of-a kind as she will be working closely with our Director of Tribal Programs to develop our expanding tribal program. Read more about Kristin’s experience on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota here.
Interested in becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer at GRID Alternatives? Check out our jobs page!