Bank of America has announced a renewed partnership with GRID Alternatives, renewing its investment of $300,000 in the SolarCorps Fellowship Program. This investment will support GRID’s 37 SolarCorps Fellows in obtaining hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional development in the renewable energy industry.
As the demand for solar energy continues to grow, this partnership is helping to create access to clean energy and clean energy jobs in underrepresented communities.
In this article, we will discuss Bank of America’s renewed investment in GRID’s SolarCorps Fellowship Program and its impact on the renewable energy industry.
GRID’s Mission
GRID Alternatives’ mission is to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy across the United States, in sovereign Tribal nations, and internationally.
The organization’s work has taken on new importance in response to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was signed into law in 2022, representing the most significant legislation in U.S. history to combat the climate crisis and strengthen energy security.
Bank of America’s Support
Bank of America’s renewed investment in the SolarCorps Fellowship Program is critical to helping GRID advance equity by providing valuable experience to individuals from the communities it serves.
Erica Mackie, GRID CEO, and co-founder, said, “Bank of America is a champion of our SolarCorps Fellows Program, and their support is critical to helping GRID advance equity by providing valuable experience to individuals from the communities we serve while helping communities gain access to renewable energy solutions.”
The Impact of the IRA
The IRA represents a significant step forward in combating the climate crisis and strengthening energy security.
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory predict strong growth in the solar industry workforce as a result of the IRA.
The September 2021 Solar Futures Study indicated that in order to achieve the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of an inclusive, equitable transition to a fully decarbonized electricity system by 2035, the solar workforce will need to grow from approximately 250,000 workers in 2021 to between 500,000 and 1,500,000 workers by 2035.
GRID’s Contribution
GRID Alternatives’ work is critical to the continued growth of the renewable energy sector.
The organization provides workforce development and training programs, resulting in over 33,000 trainees, students, and volunteers gaining valuable experience in solar installations, construction, outreach, and community solar education.
Diversifying the solar workforce with highly qualified employees is part of GRID’s mission, and it is critical to the continued growth of the renewable energy sector.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Bank of America’s renewed investment in GRID’s SolarCorps Fellowship Program is a critical step forward in creating access to clean energy and clean energy jobs in underrepresented communities.
GRID’s mission to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy is more important than ever in response to the Inflation Reduction Act.
With the continued growth of the renewable energy sector, it is essential to diversify the solar workforce with highly qualified employees, and GRID’s contribution to this mission is invaluable.
News item from GRID Alternatives