Community Energy Center

by Mayo Davison

A new summer outreach program aims to get more minority students in STEM.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs plans to invite 24 high schoolers to campus for their free UCCS Stem Outreach Program. From July 18–20, students will be able to experience collegiate-level labs in chemistry, biology, biochemistry and human anatomy.

The UCCS Stem Outreach Program was created by undergraduate student Madison Fox.

“I started this program because I was so inspired by many of my classmates and my dad. He came from impoverished places in Colorado Springs, and became a dentist. He had a complicated … Read More >>

Policymakers along with business and nonprofit leaders are in Raleigh this week for a conference on North Carolina’s transition to clean energy. While technology and policy are key themes, some speakers want to make sure people of color and low-income residents are not left out.

The two-day State Energy Conference at N.C. State University has sessions on solar and wind power, electric vehicles and how Duke Energy and regulators are drafting plans to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

But one panel focused on the risk that current energy reforms will bring new social inequities. Climate justice activist William Barber … Read More >>

by Emily Oliver

COLUMBUS, Ohio — City leaders announced a new jobs program on Thursday aimed at connecting Columbus residents with training and experience in the clean-energy sector. 

The Empowered! program will recruit residents ages 18-24 from communities of color and women in areas throughout the city deemed “opportunity zones.” The program aims to provide participants with the skills necessary to help them pursue careers in the clean-energy sector.

“Addressing climate change is about more than reducing carbon emissions,” said Mayor Andrew Ginther. “It is also about expanding opportunity, promoting upward mobility and elevating quality of life.” 

In order to … Read More >>