Imagine you wake up early in the morning, stretch, go on a five-mile run, and then listen to a motivational speaker for a half an hour inspiring you to live your life to the fullest; all before the rest of the world is at work. You would feel empowered, motivated, and accomplished, right? This is how the organization Run Hope Work empowers youth to become their best selves physically and emotionally, all while providing hands-on training to boost their resume skills in order to find a job.

“I’ve never done anything like it,” is how Tysean described his experience installing solar with GRID Alternatives. Tysean is part of the Montgomery County Conservation Corps, a branch of the Lati American Youth Center (LAYC), a group that helps youth obtain their GED while giving them experience in different career fields. This was GRID’s second time working with the LAYC, and it was our pleasure to host Tysean and three other job trainees in our DC office for a week.

Even on a cloudy day, a solar panel produces electricity. The rain parted long enough on May 12th in Alexandria, Virginia, for the installation of solar panels on two new side-by-side Habitat for Humanity homes. This installation marked the beginning of a partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia and GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic.

Nineteen-year-old Ashley David says putting solar on her family’s home was her idea. So it was with particular pride that she hosted solar industry leaders and local government officials in her backyard in Washington D.C. this week to celebrate America’s one millionth solar installation.

The Mid-Atlantic office would like to give a huge congratulations to Antwain Nelson and Marc Spohn! These two gentlemen started as SolarCorps Construction Fellows and have each been promoted to full-time employees with GRID.

Last week, the GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic office was thrilled to host a job training group from the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC), and provide a week of hands-on learning experience about the solar industry. The LAYC is a non-profit organization that provides multi-cultural and comprehensive programming for a diverse youth population.

On Monday, January 18th, GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic, along with the U.S. Department of Energy, The City of Baltimore, Civic Works, Morgan State University, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and other community organizations came together to celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 2016.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced a $200,000 commitment to advance solar installations for Baltimore’s Morgan Community Mile. As a new part of the Baltimore Energy Challenge, the solar installations will provide the city’s most disadvantaged communities with long-term relief from high and unpredictable utility costs, competitive wages with high-growth job opportunities, and a cleaner environment.

On Wednesday, December 9th GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic office successfully installed our 50th solar system! The proud client, Darlene Jackson, couldn’t be happier to be making a positive impact to her local community and environment. Ms. Jackson was born and raised in the District and moved into her historical home in 1996.

The GRID Mid-Atlantic office has officially hit our one year mark and is ready to celebrate! It’s been an exciting 12 months for the Mid-Atlantic team and we would like to take a moment to briefly review what has been achieved over the last year. GRID Alternatives launched its Mid-Atlantic presence in fall 2014 with a series of installations and events in Washington, D.C.

Last week, GRID Mid-Atlantic Executive Director Nicole Steele moderated a panel discussion at the 45th Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference on Ensuring Solar Access in Underserved Communities- Successful Models and National Opportunities.