Getting out into the field with GRID Alternatives is always a highlight of the school week for students at Yosemite High School in Merced, but this week, it had extra meaning. Not only were the students working side-by-side with students from the Merced Adult School to install solar for a former Adult School classmate, but they also got a visit from State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson. Mr. Torlakson was there to meet the students and see their work in action before presenting them with the Gold Level of the California Green Ribbon Schools Award at a ceremony later in the day.<\/p>\n
Yosemite High School is the first school in the Central Valley to receive such recognition, and the second GRID Alternatives high school partner in the state to do so. Students get hands-on solar training with GRID Alternatives as part of GRID\u2019s Solar Futures program, a partnership with SunPower to provide solar education and career opportunities for K-14 students. GRID has worked with Yosemite High School since 2014. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis school shines,\u201d Mr. Torlakson told KFSN television in an interview. \u201cIt is doing incredible work with the community, industry and with skilled people from the private sector, teaching [the students] the skills that will get them a job for life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Henry Sandoval, the homeowner and former student who is also a Veteran, was thrilled for the support. \u201cI am grateful for the opportunity to have the class come out and install solar on my home,\u201d Henry stated. \u201cHaving solar power will definitely help me save money each month.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bobby Ram, Managing Director of SunPower, also came to the site to help celebrate. Bobby spent the morning talking with students, explaining how the SunPower panels are manufactured and how working with GRID makes for a great teaching and training partnership.<\/p>\n
Partnerships like the one with Merced Union High School District help GRID Alternatives achieve its mission to make renewable energy technology and training available to underserved communities, while simultaneously providing an educational experience for students and schools we partner with. Many congratulations to the district and to Yosemite High School for being recognized as one of the jewels of the Central Valley. Great work!!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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