Paonia, Colo., August 30, 2021 – Solar Energy International (SEI), The Kenneth King Foundation, and GRID Alternatives Colorado, announced today the continuation of their partnership to provide underserved Coloradans with scholarships, performance-based stipends, and support services to reduce the burden of pursuing solar training and job placement. Focused on improving Coloradans lives, The Kenneth King Foundation Scholarship Fund brings hope to many in the midst of troubling times, with the goal of removing barriers to employment and empowering soon-to-be solar energy experts with the necessary training and support to join a growing solar workforce.
“The Kenneth King Foundation’s generous support is enabling students to receive thorough and extensive solar training that can positively affect the trajectory of their lives and those around them. We are so grateful for their support and are excited to continue working with GRID Alternatives Colorado, who will lead the way in offering comprehensive service to students, from securing a laptop to applying for benefits,” said Elizabeth Vaccaro, Development Manager at SEI.
“We are honored to work with Solar Energy International to continue offering those seeking employment pathways in alternative energy with the necessary resources to secure higher paying jobs,” said Janice Fritsch, president at the Kenneth King Foundation.
“Over the past year of implementation, we’ve watched as this scholarship transformed lives and supercharged clean energy careers. GRID Colorado is thrilled to continue partnering with SEI and the Kenneth King Foundation to provide highly motivated folks who are experiencing barriers to employment an opportunity to dive deep into their solar energy education with our support every step of the way,” said Brittany Heller, Senior Manager of Workforce and Community Engagement.
Hand-selected scholarship recipients will be awarded funds for SEI’s English and Spanish course tuition, access to career resources, professional development, and job placement support. Those looking to apply for this scholarship must be English or Spanish-speaking Coloradans living in the Denver Metro area on the verge of, formerly or currently experiencing homelessness, un/under-employed, immigrants, refugees, single parents, low-income families, justice involved individuals, and/or people with disabilities. This scholarship runs between now and June 30, 2022.
For more information and to apply for a Kenneth King Foundation Scholarship, click the button below:
About Kenneth King Foundation
Established in 1990, the Kenneth King Foundation is a private, grantmaking organization. Located in Denver, Colorado, the Foundation’s mission is to perpetuate and expand the humanitarian principles developed by their late founder, Kenneth King. Today, they support organizations that provide basic needs, create jobs, and foster entrepreneurship. For more information, visit https://www.kennethkingfoundation.org.
About Solar Energy International (SEI)
Solar Energy International (SEI) was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization with a vision of a world powered by renewable energy. We’re dedicated to training the global solar energy workforce to significantly impact climate change. For more information, visit https://www.solarenergy.org.
About GRID Alternatives Colorado
GRID Alternatives Colorado is an affiliate of GRID Alternatives, a national leader in renewable energy technology and job training accessible to underserved communities. Using a unique, people-first model, GRID Colorado develops and implements solar projects that serve qualifying households and affordable housing providers, while providing hands-on job training. GRID Colorado has installed over 7.5 MW of solar to date and helped households and housing providers save $27 million in lifetime electricity costs, while training over 1,400 people. For more information, visit www.gridalternatives.org/colorado.
Media Contacts
Elizabeth Vaccaro: elizabeth@solarenergy.org | 970-527-7657 x106
Brittany Heller: bheller@gridalternatives.org | 720-943-5174
