Erick (front row right) with IBT 200 graduates and GRID IE Workforce staff at the Clean Tech Training Center, May 2025
This is the third and final story about Erick's SolarCorp journey at GRID IE. For the previous parts, please follow these links: Part one. Part two.
“I have been offered a position with YMCA of the East Valley,” Erick M. announced as he was wrapping up his 11-month SolarCorps Workforce Development Fellowship.
Through the SolarCorps Fellowship program, GRID IE provides a full-time, 11-month real-world experience to community members interested in pursuing a career in the climate action movement.
Excited to continue his work in the nonprofit sector, Erick looks forward to building his career as a program teacher and youth leader at the YMCA. “I learned and accomplished a lot during my fellowship—including gaining confidence in my abilities,” shared Erick, who especially enjoyed connecting with community members and providing education about GRID IE’s training programs like IBT 200 and Solar Futures.
Throughout his 11-month fellowship, Erick made full use of each opportunity that was presented to him: “I used my professional development funds to improve my Spanish speaking and took a Coursera class for Project Management,” he said. Erick also focused on strengthening his network by building connections with GRID’s staff and affiliates. “I am really proud that I was able to grow as an individual and be more confident in professional settings. There were many days when I looked forward to signing on and beginning my workday,” shared Erick.
The SolarCorps Fellowship program provides fellows with professional development funds to alleviate the financial burden that often accompanies exploring and advancing their career skills.
Feeling focused and confident about the next step in his career, Erick also expressed sadness: “I will be leaving an amazing team, but overall I feel gratitude for the support that Sandra, Erik, Jay, Paola, Neil, and Cindy have shown me.” In addition to thanking his colleagues from the Workforce Development Team, Erick also thanks his family for encouraging him to pursue his fellowship and career transition from the very beginning.
“I’m excited for what comes next,” he shared. We wish you the best in your career, Erick!