One year ago, Reggie and Devonta were working on their applications for the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), to get a summer job. Little did they know they would find themselves a year later as full-time AmeriCorps members, completing a year of service installing solar in the community with a brand new career path.
Reggie and Devonta were introduced to solar through SYEP’s Green Zone Environmental Program (GZEP), the six-week version of Solar Works DC, gaining hand-on experience installing solar. Now, Reggie and Devonta get on the roof every week with GRID Alternatives as SolarCorps Fellows.
“It’s been life-changing for me, getting different skills under my belt. Meeting people. I love it,” says Devonta, “I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of a team and grow.”
Post-fellowship, Devonta and Reggie have immediate plans to stay in the solar industry, but have other entrepreneurial aspirations, too. And their SolarCorps term provides them with more than just solar skills.
“The experience for me has been great, being a twenty-one year old getting a job opportunity with job training and basically [gaining] life skills, maturing into an adult,” says Reggie.
And the Solar Works DC training wasn’t easy at first. “After I found out I was getting on the roof, I was scared,” admits Reggie. But, he adds “you have to apply yourself and show your knowledge and show that you can help, support your team and grow as one.” Devonta agrees that it takes dedication. “If it’s something you really want to do, then just stick with it,” he says.
The summer Solar Works DC cohort will run June 25th- August 3rd. The applications for this year’s summer youth program open on Friday, January 26th and close February 24th. Know someone who is interested? Encourage them to apply!