Grid Alternative, a nonprofit bringing free solar to low-income communities, is helping to educate and train the next generation of students to move forward in the growing solar industry.

Through the Solar Futures program, high school students are exposed to the renewable energy field and provide opportunities to participate in installations. There are also lessons on renewables and career pathways for elementary and middle school students.

From Education Dive’s article:

Working alongside the installation team, students are also learning about some of the latest advancements in the industry, such as each panel having a microinverter, which keeps the whole system from going out if one panel isn’t working.

Students can also earn 10- and sometimes 30-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certificates, which gives them a “leg up” when looking for jobs, Heiser says.

Across the country, in less-sunny Staten Island, New York, students at Ralph R. McKee CTE High School who have turned 18 can take a certification exam from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, a professional organization for those in the renewable energy field.