Solar needs equity
Rare is using solar energy to help Boston locals overcome barriers to economic opportunity and empower their communities.
Meet the solar barrier breakers
Rare’s Solar Helping Ignite Neighborhood Economies (SHINE) initiative brings solar jobs and renewable energy to marginalized neighborhoods in Boston.
The program consists of 13 weeks of specialized training, during which participants learn life skills, workplace safety, solar design, and solar installation. Trainees also earn a stipend for participation, and get access to support services.
In their words
Photo: Rashawn Skinner
"You can be a tech, you can be a salesperson, you can be behind the scenes, planning the arrays and the designs that's going to go onto the buildings," says Rashawn Skinner, a father from Roxbury. "With SHINE, the career paths are endless."
Photo: Tim Edwards
Tim Edwards, has a vision to lead his community into the clean energy future. “The solar field has opened up. It’s the next big wave that’s going to come through,” says Tim. “I would like to have my own solar company and hire some of the people that I went to school with so that I can give people in my neighborhood a chance.”
Many SHINE participants also share the desire to make a difference for our shared planet’s future. “I’m learning that there are ways for you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint in the world,” says Tim. “I’ve got six grandkids and I want them to be able to enjoy this world. I’m trying to do my part so that I can preserve it for my grandchildren.”
Together with Rare's support, we are:
Making the clean energy economy accessible to Boston’s underrepresented communities
Addressing the solar labor shortage by recruiting, training, and supporting the underemployed and unemployed.
Increasing solar equity by supporting the development of community solar systems on the roofs of local nonprofits
Help communities break down barriers.
Will you support Rare in building the capacity for local communities to take climate action?
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