Solar Energy International (SEI) has partnered with Nextpower (formerly Nextracker) to expand SEI’s Empowerment Program scholarships, which broaden access to solar energy education and career pathways for students from all backgrounds.
SEI’s goal is to train a global solar workforce and provide access to renewable energy education. Nextpower’s investment is helping SEI remove financial, geographic and personal barriers that could prevent aspiring solar professionals from entering or advancing in the field.
“We’re 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 of global marketing at Nextpower. “With over 30 years of experience and more than 100,000 individuals trained globally, 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 power.”
In addition to tuition support, SEI’s Empowerment Programs offer individualized student counseling, 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 elevates our ability to reach learners who otherwise may not 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 strength of the renewable energy workforce.”
SEI’s Empowerment Program also includes outreach and partnership efforts designed to expand renewable energy training access across the U.S. and internationally, focusing 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 meeting the world’s clean energy goals,” Coughlan added. “Support from partners like Nextpower makes that vision possible.”
News item from Nextpower
