For our new SolarCorps, GRID is a new beginning. GRID Mid-Atlantic had six new SolarCorps join us this month: three Construction Fellows, two Outreach Fellows, and one Workforce Fellow. Joining us from a variety of backgrounds, they come together with a common interest: GRID’s mission.
Jeremy Gray, a Tennessee native, is a new Construction Fellow. He learned a lot about the technical aspects of solar energy with a degree, and decided he wanted to learn how to install systems. “I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can - to help other people and work for a nonprofit,” he says.
Keyvon Holmes, the new Construction Fellow, joins us as a former Solar Works DC job trainee. After a brief time working with a local for-profit commercial solar company, he wanted to work with GRID again. Now, Keyvon will be training future trainees in the program. “Now I’m training people who were in the same position that I was in. So it’s a way of giving back,” he explains.
Our Construction Fellow Lacy Cooke is a former journalist, and California native. “I decided it was time to install the solar panels I’ve been writing about,” she notes. She is most excited about the hands-on aspect of installing solar, and is excited about being part of an organization that prioritizes the equitability of the industry.
Mary Therese Snyder, the new Workforce Development and Volunteerism Fellow, is looking forward to expanding the Women in Solar program in the Mid-Atlantic. She’s already been on a roof and can’t wait to get back on an install. “I’m really looking forward to building a relationship with the volunteers in the DC area,” she says.
Nikki Mammano, the new Single-Family Outreach Fellow, is also looking forward to forming relationships with the community. She’s already been on an Outreach site visit, and loved seeing how excited the potential client was. “I was really drawn to GRID’s commitment to equity in the solar industry,” she explains.
Priyanka Bist, GRID’s new Outreach Program Fellow, was also drawn to GRID’s environmental justice mission. As a member of the multi-family outreach team, she is excited to work on the technical aspects of setting up large community solar projects.
We are excited to see what our new SolarCorps Fellows will accomplish this year!
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.