GRID IE is proud to share exciting news: we have been awarded more than $765,000 through Thrive Inland SoCal’s Catalyst Funding to expand clean energy job training and solar readiness in our region.
This investment directly supports GRID IE’s Installation Basics Training 200 (IBT200) program, which provides Inland Empire residents with classroom instruction, lab practice, and hands-on field experience. In 2023, GRID IE launched IBT 200 in the Inland Empire and, in 2025, earned Training Provider Accreditation from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), a nationally recognized mark of quality training in the clean energy industry. This ensures participants graduate from a program that meets the highest national standards for safety, quality, and industry alignment.
In addition to supporting career pathways, the Thrive Inland SoCal grant is delivering clean energy improvements to local homes by funding solar readiness upgrades such as roof repairs and main electrical panel replacements, ensuring that families are prepared to benefit from solar and storage technology. Across the Inland Empire, 20 solar projects supported by this funding will produce more than 4.4 million kWh of electricity over 30 years, prevent 1,560 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, cut household utility bills, and save residents a combined total of more than $1,000,000 on energy costs.
“This funding is not just an investment in workforce development,” said Jaime Alonso, Executive Director of GRID IE. “It is an investment in community resilience, equity, and a cleaner, healthier future for the Inland Empire.”
On Friday, August 29, GRID IE hosted an installation event in Rancho Cucamonga that showcased this partnership in action. IBT 200 trainees installed a solar and battery storage system on a local home that also received roof repairs and a main panel upgrade through the Thrive grant. The project will save the family money on electricity, improve resilience during outages, and provide trainees with valuable real-world experience.
The environmental and financial impact of this single project is significant:
- Equivalent to 27 cars taken off the road
- 141 tons of carbon reduced over the system’s lifetime
- Equivalent to 3,283 trees planted
- More than $57,300 in lifetime client savings
For the trainees, the build was a chance to put their new skills into practice. Fantasia, who came to GRID IE through the MC3 program, described the opportunity as “uplifting” and “food for the soul.” She added, “Every day we learn something new. The band saw was the first saw I used where I didn't have to apply pressure, just hold it. I love all the tools I have been introduced to. My mom is so proud of me, I am so proud of me, and it feels so good.”
Semaj shared how the experience helped him overcome fears while growing his skills. “Being able to go on the roof and put my new skills to use while overcoming my fear of heights, I am proud of myself for that. I am more comfortable with it than when I started, especially with the angle of the roof.” He also gave credit to his instructors. “Neil is a great and detailed instructor. Javier too. They both have patience and a commitment to wanting to teach.”
The impact of Thrive’s support will continue this fall. On September 9, 2025, GRID IE will celebrate the graduation of the first IBT 200 cohort that received funding from the Thrive grant, marking a major milestone for participants who have dedicated 200 hours to developing skills for clean energy careers.
The Thrive Inland SoCal Catalyst Fund is designed to accelerate inclusive economic development across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Led by Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity (IEGO) and the Inland Empire Labor Institute (IELI), and supported by the Inland Empire Community Foundation, Thrive brings together public, private, and community partners to invest in projects that advance equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity in the region.
This is more than workforce development. It is a catalyst for equity, sustainability, and opportunity in the Inland Empire.