GRID Alternatives Inland Empire (GRID IE) Workforce & Volunteer Team has many educational partners. One such partner is Desert Hot Springs High School’s Renewable Energy Academy of Learning (REAL) located within Palm Springs Unified School District. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works in joint partnership with the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) to build public-private partnerships, strengthen schools and create opportunities for students to achieve. Each year, The Foundation hosts a recognition ceremony where they hand out awards to individuals and organizations who provide leadership in education to enable students to achieve academic excellence. Each academy within the school district nominate a community partner for the Champions of Excellence Award each year. This year, Solar Installation Supervisor Ernesto Rochester was nominated by the REAL Academy for his outstanding leadership and role teaching REAL Academy students at GRID's solar build sites. Ernesto has been with GRID IE for four years and this is his first award. “I am humbled and honored to receive this prestigious recognition,” said Ernesto.
The Champions of Excellence 2019 Award Ceremony was held on November 5 at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. Ernesto was one of 14 honorees from various sects of business including; California Highway Patrol, PSUSD, Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs and more. The event included breakfast, welcome and keynote address, workshops and the awards ceremony. Cindy Corrales and Ingrid Murillo from GRID IE Workforce & Volunteer accompanied Ernesto to the ceremony.