IMPACT & COLUMBUS PARTNERSHIP PARTNER ON NEW SOLAR WORKFORCE TRAINING LAB
New program will provide training and career pathways in the competitive clean energy field for Franklin County residents who qualify.
RELEASE DATE: Friday January 20, 2023
Contacts: Katie Devlin- kdevlin@impactca.org Kay Wilson- kwilson@impactca.org
In December, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) joined bipartisan colleagues in passing a historic omnibus appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2023 (H.R. 2617). Included in the legislation was $18.5+ million in funding for fifteen Franklin County community projects.
One of the projects, a $650k earmark designated for The Solar Workforce Training Lab, is the result of a collaboration of public, private and government entities.
These investments will provide necessary solar and practical educational equipment, planning, and design services to enable the renovation of 5,000 square feet space at IMPACT Community Action for the Solar Energy Training Lab which will provide critical workforce training for low-to-moderate income young adults in central Ohio.
Building upon the City of Columbus’ $1.5M investment in IMPACT to develop and operate the Empowered! clean energy jobs program, which educates about clean energy topics, the Solar Energy Training Lab provides critical skills for young people in underserved communities to directly enter the solar industry. IMPACT, the City of Columbus and the solar industry in Ohio are collaborating to establish a local labor pipeline to supply the shortage that the solar sector is experiencing in Ohio. These funds will enable the renovation of an existing space and infrastructure for the new Columbus Region Solar Lab at IMPACT.
As part of their growing portfolio of Workforce Development programs that support Climate Justice initiatives, IMPACT’s new project will ensure continuing training and education for residents from opportunity neighborhoods with all the necessary experience and certifications to attain a job in the fast-growing solar industry.
About IMPACT Community Action’s commitment to Climate Justice:
Climate Justice Initiatives Department
Since 2020, IMPACT Community Action has emerged as a thought leader and advocate for climate justice. The dedicated Climate Justice Initiatives Department aims to alleviate the impacts of climate change on residents in Columbus’ opportunity neighborhoods. This is achieved through the relentless pursuit of a just and equitable energy transition, coupled with efforts to enhance awareness of climate change effects and sustainable methods to mitigate associated risks.
A wealth of scientific evidence highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, which are often the least equipped to prepare for and recover from the escalating consequences of a rapidly changing climate. As a community action agency, IMPACT vigorously advocates for the needs and rights of the community, empowering individuals to engage in decision-making processes that shape their lives. The agency’s climate justice initiatives are instrumental in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, fostering more inclusive policies and programs that champion just and equitable climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
To date, IMPACT has played a pivotal role in shaping the City of Columbus’ Climate Action Plan. The agency has also educated thousands on energy conservation, collected valuable feedback from residents on electric vehicle policies, championed multiple solar cooperatives, established a groundbreaking clean energy workforce development program for young adults residing in Columbus, and is currently leading an initiative to create Ohio’s first net-zero neighborhood- and the first BIPOC net zero energy neighborhood in the country. IMPACT's commitment is further exemplified through its dedicated team of Climate Justice Community Advocates, representing opportunity neighborhoods across Franklin County.
Contact: Katie Devlin, Director of Climate Justice Initiatives, kdevlin@impactca.org , (614) 371-1245
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