The North Lawndale Community Clean Energy Workforce Training Program
Elevate is excited to partner with GRID Alternatives, Sesenergi Eco Solutions, and North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) to deliver a 14-week clean energy workforce training (CEWT) program in the North Lawndale community. CEWT is designed to provide didactic and hands-on solar installation training. The training launched in March 2024, with twelve students selected to participate. In addition to the solar training component, students will receive other training certifications that are embedded within the program. To support their families as they reskill and upskill, students will receive a stipend that mirrors industry wages, including other wrap-around supports such as transportation, work attire, tutor services, and one-on-one financial coaching services.
Housed at North Lawndale Employment Network for the 2024 cohort, the clean energy workforce training is a direct response to two challenges, the fight against climate change and efforts to develop and support clean and renewable sources of energy, and the need to increase the number of BIPOC individuals accessing both training and jobs, and who at present time make up just 24% the clean energy economy. Similarly, this aligns with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, in which the goal is to create a qualified, diverse pipeline of clean energy workers.
“Overall, the goal of CEWT is to support participants by providing the necessary training, support resources, and immediate attachment to good jobs within the workforce, with access to advanced career pathways that lead to increased wages over time”, said Shirlondra Brooks, Associate Director of Workforce and Contractor Development, Elevate. By building the knowledge capacity of community residents, we are preparing them to share their knowledge with their community and beyond.
About Elevate
Elevate is a nonprofit organization that works nationally and is headquartered in Chicago. Elevate designs and implements programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need it most.
For more information, visit www.Elevatenp.org.
About Grid Alternatives
Renewable energy can drive economic growth and environmental benefits in communities most impacted by underemployment, pollution, and climate change. GRID Alternatives is a leader in helping economic and environmental justice communities get clean, affordable renewable energy, transportation, and jobs. Internationally, our energy access work is lighting up off-grid communities in Nepal, Nicaragua, Mexico, and with Tribal Nations and communities. GRID envisions a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone. For more information, visit www.gridaltenatives.org.
About North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN)
NLEN is a national leader in social enterprise and workforce development, with a 24-year history of successfully managing placed-based initiatives that deliver employment and supportive services to residents recovering from the effects of mass incarceration and chronic exposure to gun violence. NLEN is committed to solving the problem of unemployment among individuals who were previously justice-involved and impacted by poverty and gun violence. For more information, visit www.nlen.org.
About North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN)
Sẽsẽnergi Eco Solutions Enterprise is your “go-to” sustainability partner. Sẽsẽnergi provides climate-friendly, closed loop, environmentally sound solutions and workforce development opportunities to the community. Sẽsẽnergi’s programs and services respond to every changing energy issue and empower people to make wiser lifestyle choices. For more information, visit www.sesenergillc.com.
For additional information on the Clean Energy Workforce Training Program, contact Shirlondra Brooks, shirlondra.brooks@elevatenp.org.
