Solar Austin Happy Hour, An Equitable Clean Energy Jobs Celebration!

Solar Austin is doing something a bit different this month… Instead of our usual happy hour, we’re excited to invite you to the closing celebration of the trailblazing Equitable Clean Energy Jobs (ECEJ) Program! 

Launched in partnership by Solar Austin and Huston-Tillotson University (HT), the ECEJ Program aimed to improve diversity and cultural inclusivity in Austin’s growing clean energy sector through an innovative structured internship matching process. Executed in the midst of a global pandemic, an economic recession, and the historic Black Lives Matter movement, the ECEJ initiative was a leap towards a stronger and more equitable local workforce, in a sector that is nationally over 70% white and male. 

As summer internships come to a close, we’re excited to celebrate the six amazing interns and five clean energy companies who made this pilot program possible! Join us as we reflect with program participants on what was accomplished during this pilot phase, what challenges were faced, and what still needs to be done to lower the barrier of entry for passionate individuals who seek to make a difference in this field and in their communities.