GRID Alternatives provides career exploration and solar education to K-14 students through its Solar Futures program. The curriculum provided through Solar Futures inspires young students to become the next generation of solar leaders. It also offers the opportunity to get hands-on experience in a field that is growing by 20 percent each year. Over 600 students have already been trained through this program, and approximately 65 solar projects have been built for Inland Empire’s disadvantaged communities as a result of these students efforts.
Jurupa Valley High School is one of many schools who participate in GRID Alternatives’ Solar Futures program. This partnership allows students to gain important skills in the classroom as well as in the real world. Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA) is a program created to give the future work force a chance to gain necessary work skills while still in high school. Daniel Gomez is a senior at Jurupa Valley High School and has now been a participant in BITA for two years. He was excited to learn about construction through this program. BITA’s partnership with Solar Futures places students on the road to becoming homebuilding workforce professionals while also improving Southern California’s air quality.
Daniel has now completed six solar installations and admitted that he enjoys placing the rails on the roof and installing the actual panels the most. “I wish I could be a freshman again so I could be in this program longer,” said Daniel. He recently participated in a two-day installation of 13 solar panels, which are expected to prevent 109 tons of harmful greenhouse gasses and generate over $65,000 in lifetime energy savings for the homeowner.
Daniel is so passionate about construction and working outdoors that he has also participated in the Design Build Competition in Huntington Beach. This competition gives participants the experience of what is required for a project to pass inspection and meet a deadline. After he graduates this year, Daniel plans to attend a technical school in order to give himself even more of an advantage while applying for work with future employers.
GRID Alternatives’ Solar Futures program provides students exposure and skills applicable to all sorts of construction industry jobs. If you are interested in learning more visit Solar Futures or if you would like on job training info, volunteer. Thanks to SunPower for supporting the Solar Futures program!