Students participate in a new solar scholarship program aimed at stimulating local participation in New Mexico’s solar industry

Paonia, Colo., May 2, 2023 — July 2022 marked a milestone for Solar Energy International (SEI) as they partnered with The AES Corporation (AES) to increase access to solar energy education and career opportunities for New Mexico residents. Through the program’s generous scholarship funds distributed by SEI’s leading non-profit training initiative, students are developing their professional skills in preparation for successful entry into the solar workforce.

A Taos resident and one of the scholarship program’s recipients, Alexa Pikcilingis, recently completed SEI’s NABCEP PV Associates online training package, qualifying her to to design, sell, install, or maintain solar in a supervised capacity. “The scholarship is the reason I was able to complete my NABCEP associate credential. This schooling will help me continue with solar and hopefully it will become a career,” Alexa stated in a recent interview. 

Alexa and her partner already make a powerful team – she holds a computer science certificate from the University of New Mexico Taos, while he brings 23 years of electrician experience and NABCEP certification to the table. “I often type up his bills and job notes. I had no understanding of the solar industry before dating my partner. This lack of knowledge brought me to seek understanding – SEI has really helped me and now I’m part of NABCEP,” she said excitedly, going on to express, “(The training) fees would have held me back from gaining more knowledge – I just can’t stress enough how much a scholarship opportunity can give you a step up in life!”

The scholarship program is bridging the gap between those eager to participate in the solar revolution but often face barriers to entry. Generous support from AES enables scholarship recipients to enroll in SEI’s North America Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Associates online training package, which includes SEI’s PVOL101 and PVOL203 online classes, along with NABCEP PV Associate testing. By empowering the next generation of solar energy experts with the necessary training, the scholarship program is helping to fortify the growing New Mexico solar workforce.

New Mexico’s sunny disposition makes for many great PV possibilities with over 300 blissful days of sunshine each year. Alexa imagines the future of her home state achieving more and more independence through solar. “We live in a rural community, where job opportunities are limited. New Mexico leads in states with great solar potential, so it is exciting to see new opportunities for growth in this important line of work. And more education is helping us do that.” 

Alexa’s experience illustrates how AES’ support for the scholarship program in New Mexico is changing the lives of students by empowering them with educational opportunities, encouraging their growth as solar professionals and bringing more renewable energy to New Mexico.

If you or someone you know is a New Mexico resident and would like to apply for the remaining  AES scholarships, click here. 

Recipients of the scholarship will join SEI’s online campus, where they can access training from anywhere in the world to learn solar energy technology concepts, engage with online instructors and classmates, and prepare themselves for a future in the solar workforce.

About SEI
Solar Energy International (SEI) empowers students, alumni, and partners to expand a diverse, inclusive, well-trained and educated solar electricity workforce. Our aim is to promote sustainable economic growth, mitigate climate change, and support energy independence. For more information, please visit SEI.

​​Media Contacts:
Chris Turek, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development
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