Just a few years ago, we met Welson Vue through our High School Solar Futures program at Edison High School—a program designed to spark interest in renewable energy careers among students. Welson stood out early on for his curiosity and commitment to learning.

Project Manager and AERO Academy alum Jackie Brown returned to her alma mater to share job interview tips and encouragement with students, joined by Co-Executive Director David Griffin for a special appearance. More than 100 students participated in mock interviews and elevator pitch exercises, making the day both exciting and inspiring for everyone involved.

As part of our ongoing commitment to Southern California Edison homeowners, we’ve aligned our strategy to work closely with the City of Porterville and the Porterville Chamber of Commerce.

“I love my community and take pride in being a lifetime resident,” Alice Duarte once shared. “We work quietly, never expecting accolades or awards in recognition for our time.” But every now and then, the community gives back!

GRID Alternatives Central Valley (GRID CV) and Central Valley Opportunity Center Inc. (CVOC) recently teamed up to provide solar installation training to six local residents, equipping them with hands-on skills for a sustainable career path.

Our recent Porterville Shines Bright event was originally designed to help generate referrals from our clients—but it blossomed into a heartwarming celebration of opportunity, connection, and fun! We were thrilled to bring together our GRID homeowner community for an evening filled with laughter, delicious Me-n-Ed’s pizza, and refreshing sodas. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, with families gathering to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the impact of solar energy in their lives.

Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) is a program led by the Strategic Growth Council that aims to improve air quality and deliver economic benefits to underserved communities. Three years ago, GRID Central Valley partnered with the City of Bakersfield to pursue a $1.6 million grant to install solar on 57 single-family homes—averaging 4.7 kW per home, totaling 258 kW. The project is set to launch in late 2025 and will run for five years.

Faced with a tough choice—find a new job in 30 days or relocate his family to Sacramento—Luis Casas, a father of nine, chose a fresh start through our training program IBT 200. His kids proudly cheered, “Dad’s back in school!” and just weeks later, Luis graduated and landed a job in a related field. Now, they’re celebrating his new career and the skills he gained along the way.

Our Solar Futures program lit up our office with excitement as we welcomed our very first cohort of high school interns from DeWolf High! Over two energizing weeks, these bright and curious students immersed themselves in the world of solar energy—engaging in hands-on learning, exploring innovative technologies, and offering fresh perspectives that sparked meaningful conversations.

As a full-time healthcare worker, student, and mother of three, this Wasco homeowner exemplifies resilience. With over a decade at Adventist Health Hospital in Bakersfield and a recent acceptance into a local nursing program, she’s committed to building a better future for her family. When she bought her home, she received a flyer about GRID Alternatives but didn’t follow up until solar salespeople in her neighborhood reminded her of the opportunity. Instead of rushing into a purchase, she took the time to research and reached out to GRID to see if she qualified for our no-cost solar program.