GRID Alternatives' community solar project developed in partnership with the Yampa Valley Electric Association (YVEA) has provided amazing opportunities to promote women in solar. Not only was the YVEA community solar garden the site of the first Women in Solar Build & Retreat, but also provided an opportunity to inspire the next generation of women. Earlier this summer GRID was connected up with a local Girl Scout troop in Steamboat Springs - Junior Troop 52622. The troop's leader, Jennifer Shea, has always put a focus on science and sustainability in all their projects, and she thought our community solar project was an amazing opportunity for the girls to learn about renewable energy and earn a new badge. We agreed!
Diane Johnson, the CEO of YVEA and the only woman CEO of a utility in the state, mentors the Girl Scout troop and provided the connection to GRID. Diane has been a long-time champion for GRID's work in Steamboat, and was especially excited make the Girl Scouts a part of it. Because the girls were too young to volunteer with us on site, Workforce Development Manager Allison Moe worked with Jennifer and YVEA CEO Diane Johnson to develop unique opportunities for them to be a part of this community solar project.
"Diane, Jennifer, and all of us at GRID want to show these young girls that they can do anything they want in this world." said Allison.
The girls embarked on this project to earn their Girl Scout Bronze Award, part of the "Agent of Change" journey, which is tied to environmental stewardship and community impact. "I cannot envision a better project than this!" said their troop leader, Jennifer.
Through a workshop led by Beth Copanas, GRID's Construction Supervisor and Allison Moe, the five Girl Scouts learned about GRID and how solar works. They used electric test meters to test voltage and electric current on household appliances and solar panels, and also learned about why GRID's model is important for struggling families in their community. A few weeks later, the Scouts came back to cheer on the women of the WE Build Retreat as they volunteered and installed 200 solar panels. The girls and their families provided lunch for the volunteers. Beth Copanas led them on a tour of the site, showing them how all the components work together to create the whole. Finally, the troop members spoke eloquently about their participation and what they had learned at the YVEA project's celebration on September 16th.
In the end, Jennifer said, "They learned so much throughout this project - from women in energy leadership, to the functionality of solar, to socio-economic impacts of the GRID's mission and projects. We are so grateful for you and your team for including them in this wonderful and educational program."