GRID Alternatives and WRISE are partnering again for a Rising Solar fellowship program to give aspiring solar professionals from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to pursue a career in renewable energy. The program, part of GRID and Women in Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy’s (WRISE) workforce diversity initiatives, is aimed at anyone identifying as a woman or marginalized gender training for careers in installation and design as well as college and graduate students studying renewable energy and related fields.
Benefits
Rising Solar Fellows receive:
free access to the RE+ conference*;
specialized program content exclusively for fellows;
mentoring and networking opportunities;
and the chance to collaborate with and learn from a peer group of fellows.
*WRISE will cover conference registration, travel, and lodging expenses upfront. Any further expenses incurred related to the fellowship (food, Uber/Lyft, etc.) are eligible for reimbursement. Note that if you have difficulty paying for any of these items upfront, this will NOT affect your eligibility – let them know and they will work with you to find a solution!
Eligibility
Open to anyone 18 or older, identifying as a woman or marginalized gender, who is currently enrolled as a student or is a recent graduate of a college, university, or technical certificate program (including graduate degree programs as well as installer training programs) and is not yet in the industry.
Must be located in the United States at the time of the fellowship.
Fellowship applicants may be interested in any sector of renewable energy, including academic, manufacturing, technical, consulting, engineering, finance, and others
Applicants must be planning to pursue a renewable energy career in the United States and will benefit most if interested in the solar industry specifically.
Current GRID Alternatives SolarCorps Fellows are not eligible for this fellowship.
Selection Criteria
Demonstrated interest in renewable energy
Academic and/or vocational achievement
Work and volunteer experience
Potential for future contributions to the U.S. renewable energy community
Financial need
Application
You will need to have the materials listed below ready in PDF document form to upload into the application.
Application materials must include:
Current resume or professional vitae;
Academic transcript (official or unofficial);
At least one Letter of Recommendation,
Essay (750-1750 words) – see prompts below.
Essay Question
Choose ONE of the following essay topics and write an essay of 750-1750 words. Your essay should be reflective, and insightful, and demonstrate your ability to think critically and express yourself effectively.
Option 1: In the ever-evolving renewable energy sector, particularly within Solar Energy, organizations are increasingly seeking innovative solutions to address pressing challenges. Could you identify a specific challenge or issue within the realm of solar energy that you are eager to tackle as you seek a career in Solar Energy?
Option 2: The solar energy sector offers immense potential to catalyze positive change and address pressing societal and environmental challenges. Reflecting on your aspirations and values, please articulate the impact you hope to achieve within your community or society through your involvement in the solar energy sector. How do you envision leveraging your skills, knowledge, and passion to contribute to a more sustainable future and empower others to embrace renewable energy solutions?
Option 3: Solar energy has emerged as a key player in the global transition to renewable energy sources. Describe a moment or experience that sparked your interest in solar energy and the renewable industry. How has this interest evolved over time, and what steps have you taken to deepen your understanding of solar technology, its benefits, and its challenges? Reflect on your vision for the future of solar energy and its potential to address environmental issues and reshape the energy landscape.
