Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE)
Solar Installation and Automotive Technology
Solar Installation
11 students participated in a 6-week program where they learned solar installation and about green skilled trades careers. ACE partners with the organization GRID Alternatives to offer students training and skills necessary for solar installation.
These students participated in ACE’s Community Repair program, where they beautified and modernized a local community facility – learning drywalling and soundproofing.
Students also helped to refurbish an adjacent home on the ACE property, which will be used as transitional and re-entry housing for future ACE participants.
“One of the most remarkable results we witnessed was the significant retention and engagement of trainees who historically have low engagement in education and have been negatively impacted by poverty. The Summer Solar program provided a counter-narrative to our students’ lived experiences that fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment. Marginalized youth can envision and strive for a brighter future when given opportunities like the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Skilled Trades Summer program.” Read more.
Michelle Fuentes-Miranda, president and founder, Alliance for Community Empowerment
Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE)
Students Learn Solar Installation and Participate in a Community Repair Program
Program Highlights
Program Snapshot
- Service Area: Canoga Park – West San Fernando Valley
- Skilled Trade: Solar Installation
- 2025 Enrollment: 12 high school students
- Program Length: five weeks, 144 hours
- Credentials Offered: Solar Installation
Unique Program Components
- ACE partners with GRID Alternatives to provide hands-on training and skills needed to pursue a career in the solar industry.
- Students learn basic construction skills and apply them at local community sites allowing students to experience a real worksite and make a lasting contribution to their community.
About ACE
COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION
ACE is a nonprofit organization that provides education, workforce development, gang intervention and prevention programming integrated with counseling, mentoring, case management and other support services for marginalized individuals and families.
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“One of the most remarkable results we witnessed was the significant retention and engagement of trainees who historically have low engagement in education and have been negatively impacted by poverty. The Summer Solar program provided a counter-narrative to our students’ lived experiences that fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment.” Read more.
Michelle Fuentes-Miranda, president and founder, Alliance for Community Empowerment