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
- Partner Since: 2021
- Service Area: Canoga Park – West San Fernando Valley
- Skilled Trade: Solar Installation
- 2026 Enrollment: 18 high school students
- Program Length: five weeks, 144 hours
- Credentials Offered: GRID Alternatives Solar Intermediate Certification (IBT), OSHA 10
Unique Program Components
- ACE partners with GRID Alternatives to deliver hands-on training and skills needed to pursue a career in the solar industry.
- Students receive career readiness, case management and attend field trips to regional solar energy facilities.
- Students apply technical and teamwork skills through community impact projects at three local sites.
- In 2026, ACE will increase enrollment from 12 to 18 high school students.
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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ACE Youthbuild
“I loved this experience. I got my certificate in solar installation accepted by the labor union to go into construction. I loved this experience because it taught me about time management and working with different personalities and definitely boosted my leadership skills.”
Danielle Marin, 2025 ACE Student