“I had a pizza delivery job, I wasn’t really making money, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself.” At 21 years-old, DC native Reginald “Reggie” Chandler was facing an uncertain future before he became a GRID Alternatives SolarCorps Fellow.
After being introduced to GRID through the summer Solar Works DC cohort, Reggie applied to serve a year as a SolarCorps Construction Fellow at the GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic office.
It’s now been nine months since Reggie began installing solar on roofs of underserved DC residents, helping reduce their electric bills. He’s become a proficient installer and GRID team member, now mentoring trainees in the Solar Works DC cohort while leading them step-by-step through the solar installation process. “I’ve gained so much, I’ve got a driver’s license, I’ve got education, I’ve got stability in my own life and finances,” says Reggie when describing his experience so far, adding that “there’s so many benefits with SolarCorps.”
One of the benefits he’s looking forward to is the $6000 education award he’ll receive when he completes his term of service. Considering his future, Reggie thinks that he’d like to stay with GRID Alternatives if he decides to stick with solar, and perhaps earn his NABCEP certification. He may also pursue his passion for fixing up cars by using his award to attend an auto service technology program.
As a recently-recruited SolarCorps fellow myself, I find it inspiring that Reggie went from not knowing what he wanted to do with this life to having great options for his future in less than a year. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store, and I’m looking forward to developing myself in the same ways Reggie has through his SolarCorps experience.
GRID is hiring its new SolarCorps cohort! If you’re interested in taking the next step towards a career in solar, view our open positions here!
The SolarCorps Fellowship Program is part of the AmeriCorps network of programs. SolarCorps is made possible with funding support from AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps VISTA, and Bank of America. AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering, service, and civic engagement. CNCS engages millions of Americans in citizen service through its AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs and leads the nation’s volunteer and service efforts. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.