The year 2020 is getting off to a great start with GRID Alternatives Inland Empire (GRID IE) accomplishing the first Solar Futures install of the year in Perris, California. GRID’s Solar Futures program works towards providing hands-on solar education to K-14 students, focusing on high school juniors and seniors. The curriculum seeks to inspire young people in the community to engage in sustainable practices and encourages them to become the next generation of pioneers in the solar industry.
One of GRID IE’s education partners, Jurupa Valley High School (JVHS) Career Technical Education program (CTE), participated in this first Solar Futures install of 2020. Jeremy Ragar, a construction teacher at JVHS-CTE who has been on six solar installs thus far, shared the benefits Solar Futures brings to his students. “GRID gives students opportunities to gain real hands-on job training by participating in solar installations on homeowners such as this,” said Jeremy. GRID’s Solar Futures program gives these volunteers the ability to explore a career in solar through enriching hands-on experience.
Gabriel Fausto, a student at JVHS-CTE, expressed the value this interactive experience volunteering with GRID has had on his exploration into the solar industry. “It’s been really great learning all these new things. These new experiences have given me a passion for solar,” said Gabriel. The Solar Futures program has helped him to foster a better understanding of the solar industry.
Christian Gonzalez, another JVHS-CTE student is considering a career in the solar industry. Christian explained, “I would like to build houses one of these days, and now that the law requires new homes in California to have solar panels, I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up pursuing a career in the solar industry.” Changes in California’s legislation has opened up new opportunities for young people that are eager to engage in fulfilling work. Christian has participated in four solar installs to date, and is committed to continuing to support GRID’s mission of providing no-cost solar to qualified families as a volunteer.
GRID Alternatives’ Solar Futures program exposes students to hands-on technical skills valuable to the construction industry. If you are interested in getting involved with Solar Futures, volunteer with us. Thank you to all of our education partners such as JVHS-CTE and SunPower, for the continued support of our Solar Futures program!
If you are interested in finding out how to become an education partner, or to sign up for GRID’s Solar Futures program, contact Ingrid Murillo at 951.465.2865.