Paonia, CO., 2/11/2025 – Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading provider of renewable energy education, announced today that REC Group LLC has strengthened their partnership with a $25,000 contribution to expand SEI’s Native American Scholarship Program, increasing access to solar energy education and career opportunities for Native American communities.
The funding will allow SEI to continue to provide comprehensive support for Native American and tribally-affiliated individuals pursuing training in solar energy, including:
- Online and hands-on solar training courses
- Travel and lodging
- NABCEP certification testing fees
“This generous investment from our friends at REC Group represents a significant expansion of our ability to provide solar education opportunities to Native American communities,” said Kiera Coughlan, SEI’s Empowerment Program Manager. “By removing financial barriers to solar training and certification, we’re helping create pathways to sustainable careers in renewable energy.”
The scholarship program reflects the vast career opportunities available throughout the solar industry while addressing critical workforce diversity needs. By offering Native American professionals additional pathways to comprehensive technical training, the initiative strengthens the industry’s talent pipeline and helps create a solar workforce that better represents the communities it serves.
“REC is excited to support the advancement of Native American professionals in the solar industry and provide opportunities where they are most needed,” said Hannah Raines, Marketing Manager for REC.
Scholarships are open to all Native American and tribally-affiliated individuals, with funding awarded based on individual career goals and needs. Interested candidates can apply through SEI’s website here.
About Solar Energy International
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’s website.
About REC Group LLC
REC Group is an international pioneering solar energy company dedicated to empowering consumers with clean, affordable solar power through high-quality solar panels with a leading power density. As Solar’s Most Trusted, REC is known for its patented innovations and multiple award-winning products with reliable long-term performance. The cornerstone for REC’s strong reliability is advanced and highly efficient manufacturing using Industry 4.0 practices. Founded in 1996 in Norway, REC has always been committed to a low carbon footprint in its solar materials and panels. REC is headquartered in Norway with operational headquarters in Singapore and regional hubs in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. As of December 2021, REC is part of Reliance Industries Limited, India’s largest private sector company with revenues of USD 118.6 billion. Find out more at recgroup.com.
