International solar energy (SEI) has collaborated with Next power (formerly Nextracker) to expand SEI’s Empowerment Program scholarships, which broaden access to solar energy education and career paths for students of all backgrounds.
SEI’s goal is to train the global solar workforce and provide access to renewable energy education. Nextpower’s investment will help SEI remove financial, geographic and personal barriers that could prevent aspiring solar professionals from entering or advancing in the field.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with SEI because building the energy infrastructure of the future starts with investing in the people who power it,” said Kristan Kirsh, SVP Global Marketing at Nextpower. “With more than 30 years of experience and more than 100,000 people trained worldwide, SEI has a proven track record of delivering results. Their Empowerment Program isn’t just about education – it’s about creating real pathways to careers in clean energy. This partnership supports our belief that a technically skilled and mission-driven workforce is essential to meeting the world’s growing demand for reliable, renewable energy.”
In addition to tuition support, SEI’s empowerment programs provide individualized student guidance, mentorship, targeted networking and guided connections to job opportunities. Through this partnership, additional scholarships will be available for SEI’s full catalog of online and hands-on courses, including introductory solar fundamentals, advanced system design, battery-based systems, grid-tied and off-grid technologies, and Spanish-language pathways.
“Nextpower’s support expands our ability to reach students who may not otherwise have access to life-changing training,” said Kiera Coughlan, director of philanthropy at SEI. “By investing in the Empowerment Program, they are investing in people, in communities and in the long-term power of the renewable energy workforce.”
SEI’s Empowerment Program also includes outreach and partnership efforts designed to expand access to renewable energy training in the U.S. and internationally, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for veterans and military members transitioning to civilian life, tribal governments and utilities, and rural workforce development.
“Creating a diverse, skilled renewable energy workforce is essential to achieving the world’s clean energy goals,” Coughlan added. “Support from partners like Nextpower makes that vision possible.”
News item from Nextpower
