In June, GRID Colorado completed our first Solar Training Academy in partnership with the Denver Housing Authority and Denver Urban Renewal Authority. The Solar Training Academy is a two week intensive training program designed to provide individuals with low to moderate incomes with the skills they need to begin pursuing a career in solar. Participants receive an introductory course from Solar Energy International, a basic skills workshop, three days of on-site training, and career-readiness support including meeting other solar employers in the Denver area.
Seven people graduated from the Academy's first class. One of those graduates was April Valdez. April, a Denver resident and mom of four, heard about the Solar Training Academy while taking classes at Denver Housing Authority. As soon as she found out about it, she immediately wanted to know how to get signed up for this new class that combined solar energy, construction, and nonprofit work. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I dove right in and I had a lot of fun,” said April. It was soon apparent that her enthusiasm for renewable energy would make her a natural fit for a job supporting GRID's outreach into the community! This month, April will join GRID's team as our Programs Solarcorps Fellow supporting the Outreach and Volunteerism Departments over the next 12 months. GRID also hired Wes Cowan, another graduate of the Solar Training Academy, as a Construction Intern. Wes is interning with GRID Colorado while working on his Environmental Science degree. He is currently engaged in training on GRID’s Coyote Ridge Solar Array. 
The next Solar Training Academy will take place September 18-28. For more information or to register please contact Allison Moe at amoe@gridalternatives.org or 303-481-4384.