Earlier this year, GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles completed something both powerful and deeply personal: a SolarCorps install, led by current SolarCorps Fellows from start to finish.
This install wasn’t just a milestone, it was a moment of recognition for the impact, dedication, and heart of our SolarCorps Fellows. And in light of recent funding cuts to AmeriCorps, it became even more meaningful.
What Is SolarCorps?
The SolarCorps Fellowship program offers paid, hands-on service opportunities for individuals passionate about environmental justice, clean energy, and community empowerment. Fellows serve for 11 months at GRID offices across the country, helping to expand solar access and build a more inclusive green workforce.
GRID GLA has been proud to host SolarCorps Fellows since the program’s earliest years. In that time, these Fellows have done far more than install solar. They’ve led workshops, trained future clean energy workers, helped families lower their electric bills, and played a crucial role in bringing GRID’s mission to life.
“SolarCorps is how I found my path. Being part of a SolarCorps team reminded me why we do this work—to serve, to lead, and to grow.”
Manuel Fuentes, SolarCorps Outreach Fellow, GRID GLA
Why This Install Mattered So Much
GRID GLA is the only office in the GRID network to complete a full solar install powered entirely by SolarCorps Fellows—from system design and outreach, to installation and education.
This project came on the heels of devastating cuts to AmeriCorps announced in April 2025, which eliminated nearly 41% of the national service program’s funding and directly impacted thousands of service members, including 35 of the 52 fellows in our 2024–2025 SolarCorps cohort.
“These cuts didn’t just affect policy—they impacted people. And for us, this installation was about showing the strength and spirit of our Fellows, no matter the circumstances.”
Ashley Christy, Executive Director, GRID GLA
Even as the future of national service programs faces uncertainty, GRID GLA’s commitment to workforce development remains strong. This install served as a tribute to the program that helped build GRID, and a call to preserve opportunities like it for future generations.
The Bigger Picture
AmeriCorps has played a foundational role in GRID’s growth. Through AmeriCorps VISTA and State/National branches, the SolarCorps program has recruited talented, service-driven individuals who’ve helped us expand capacity, deepen outreach, and serve more communities.
What Comes Next
Despite the challenges, GRID GLA will continue to advocate for the power of national service and clean energy equity. Our Fellows, past and present, are proof of what’s possible when you invest in people, not just programs.
We’ll keep showing up. We’ll keep building. And we’ll keep making sure that no matter what happens at the federal level, the spirit of SolarCorps lives on.
--------------------------------------------
Contact us to learn more
To support our work: Shop our Store or Donate
Keep up with GRID GLA on a daily basis.
Sign up for our Newsletter
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Facebook