SEI is proud to once again join hands with Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center (RCR) bringing advanced solar PV expertise, with an accessible technical curriculum that puts power into the hands of learners. Our ‘Tribal Train the Trainer’ model creates a new web of skillful solar trainers, equipped to initiate solar teaching and related projects in their own communities.
Collaboratively, with generous support from All Points North Foundation, the project will provide in-depth training, equipment, curriculum, and mentored co-teaching to a cohort of Native Americans selected from across the Great Plains tribes. Learning will take place both at SEI’s Colorado campus, as well as Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center. Participants will also have the opportunity to sit for NABCEP certification, and expand their skills and opportunity networks. In the words of Henry Red Cloud, RCR Manager, “additional hands-on training is needed for these solar warriors to understand and implement the technical aspects of solar electric within their communities as they increase adoption and scale of solar PV.”
There are 567 federally recognized Native American and Alaskan Native Tribes in the United States. In these communities, native people suffer from extremely high rates of poverty and unemployment. On the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, home to Henry, Red Cloud Renewable and the Oglala Lakota, over 40 percent of residents live without access to electricity.
We thank All Points North Foundation for believing in systems-change through solar potentials. Supporting skill development through Train the Trainer creates a powerful opportunity to improve quality of life, create jobs, and expand renewable energy. Read more. #AllPointsNorthFoundation
