Nevada Clean Energy Fund Establishes Partnerships to Launch K-12 Solar Education Programs Across the State
Las Vegas, NV– The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is proud to announce partnerships with the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of Southern Nevada (EJATC) and with Solar Rollers to launch K-12 clean energy education under NCEF’s Nevada Solar for All program.
NSFA is designed to bring the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy to low-income and disadvantaged communities throughout Nevada. As part of these efforts, NCEF issued a Request for Proposals seeking partners to engage K-12 students in Title I and Tribal schools in learning about solar career pathways.
“By partnering with the Joint Apprenticeship Training Center and Solar Rollers, we are laying the groundwork to inspire the next generation of Nevada’s clean energy workforce,” said Kirsten Stasio, CEO of the Nevada Clean Energy Fund. “These programs will give young people hands on experiences with solar energy, connect them to real-world career opportunities, and plant the seeds for long term community transformation.”
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Nevada Clean Energy Fund to bring Solar Rollers programming to even more students across Nevada. Hands-on, competitive learning sparks curiosity and confidence; it opens the door to meaningful careers in the clean energy sector. Nevada’s students are ready to lead the future, and we’re here to help them get started,” said Noah Davis, Executive Director of Solar Rollers.
“I’ve always believed that early exposure to the trades can change lives. This partnership with the Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) allows us to introduce more students to career pathways within the renewable and energy sectors. By integrating clean energy education into K-12 curricula, we provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to explore career opportunities through our comprehensive and paid training programs,” stated Doug Ziegenhagen, Training Director of the Electrical JATC of Southern Nevada (EJATCSNV). “When engaged, these opportunities lead to full-time employment, offering nationally recognized credentials and highly competitive wages. This initiative not only enhances academic enrichment of Nevada students but also raises awareness of the industry and apprenticeship, providing students with the vision to pursue lifelong and rewarding careers in the electrical field. We are proud to contribute to local workforce development and economic prosperity by embedding sustainability into education.”
Solar Rollers brings over a decade of experience in Solar-STEM education. Their signature program engages high school students in designing, building, and racing solar-powered cars. Over the course of the partnership, Solar Rollers will provide training and engagement to teachers and students across northern and rural Nevada.
EJATC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides job training and permanent full-time job placements in the electrical, telecommunications, and energy efficiency industries to residents of Southern Nevada. EJATC will implement age-specific curriculum for Clark County schools to introduce solar technology and career pathways, including hands-on workforce training using EJATC’s Mobile Solar Training Lab for high school students.
These programs will be rolled out over the coming year with a special focus on reaching underserved communities and building a pipeline of future solar professionals.
Nevada Solar for All (NSFA) is a statewide initiative administered by the Nevada Clean Energy Fund, aimed at making solar energy accessible and affordable to low-income and disadvantaged communities. In addition to the K-12 education to be implemented under this partnership, NSFA catalyzes market transformation through workforce development, financial and technical assistance, and other solar project supports.
About the Nevada Clean Energy Fund
The Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) is a nonprofit organization that supports a thriving, affordable, and accessible clean energy economy by providing financial and technical resources to Nevadans. NCEF was established by Nevada legislation in 2017 as the state’s green bank. NCEF implements programs for diverse Nevada stakeholders, including affordable housing, Tribes, nonprofits, schools, local governments, and rural communities. Clean energy measures include building electrification and efficiency, renewable energy, clean vehicles, and others.