Solar firms team up to expand access to industry careers
Two solar organizations — one a nonprofit, the other a manufacturer — are teaming up to grow the industry’s workforce. Solar Energy International (SEI) has launched a new partnership with Nextpower (formerly Nextracker) to expand SEI’s Empowerment Program scholarships. The collaboration will broaden access to solar energy education and career pathways for students from all backgrounds.
SEI’s mission is to train the global solar workforce and empower communities through high-quality, accessible renewable energy education. Nextpower’s investment directly strengthens this mission by helping the nonprofit remove financial, geographic, and personal barriers that often 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, senior VP 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.”
Supporting the long-term solar workforce
SEI’s Empowerment Programs offer far more than tuition support. They provide individualized student counseling, mentorship, targeted networking, and guided connections to job opportunities — ensuring that anyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can build a well-paying, meaningful career in the solar and energy industries.
“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.”
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 enables SEI to continue offering comprehensive workforce development opportunities that meet students where they are — no matter their experience level, location, or financial situation.
Outreach efforts
SEI’s Empowerment Program also includes robust outreach and partnership efforts designed to expand renewable energy training access across the U.S. and internationally. These include:
- Skillbridge programs for veterans and transitioning military members.
- Partnerships with Tribal governments and utilities.
- Contract trainings for rural workforce development groups, municipalities, nonprofits, and community organizations.
- Full course pathways offered in both English and Spanish.
- Continuous global outreach to ensure equitable access to solar education and career opportunities.
“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.”
SEI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to empower people, communities, and businesses worldwide.
