Solar Spring Break, a national alternative break program, gives students the opportunity to spend their spring vacation week installing solar in underserved communities. This will be a unique opportunity for students to get hands on experience with renewable energy while making a difference for people and the planet! This program is run by GRID Alternatives, in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund. GRID Alternatives is a California-based non-profit that brings the benefits of solar to families that need them most.
Each project will host 10-12 college students traveling to one of GRID Alternatives' offices in California or Colorado. Students will work with their assigned office Monday-Friday during the week of their spring break. Student groups will be led by GRID's certified solar professionals in installing solar electric systems for local low-income families, from start to finish. In addition to the time spent installing solar, students will also have access to educational programming such as speakers and tours of renewable energy facilities, as well as free time to explore the beaches, cities, hiking, mountain biking and other attractions GRID Alternatives’ office locations have to offer.
Participating students will provide a $5,000 donation per team for their Solar Spring Break. This donation is combined with state and local funding, grants and other philanthropy to cover the costs of the solar electric systems for the families. GRID Alternatives staff will work with students to think of creative fundraising ideas, such as financial assistance from your college or university; sponsorships from local businesses or family/friends; crowdfunding platforms, or fundraising events such as bake sales or concerts.
While GRID Alternatives will arrange safe and comfortable housing for each student group, we do ask that students arrange and cover the costs of their food and transportation throughout the week. This means that students will need to rent vehicles in order to travel to and from the project site and other activities each day.
Available locations/dates:
- San Francisco Bay Area, CA: March 3-7, March 10-14, March 17-21, March 24-28
- Central Coast (Atascadero), CA: March 3-7, March 24-28
- Central Valley (Fresno), CA: March 3-7, March 10-14, March 17-21, March 24-28
- Los Angeles Area (Carson), CA: March 17-21
- Riverside, CA: March 10-14, March 24-28
- Chico, CA: March 17-21, March 24-28
- San Diego, CA: March 3-7, March 10-14, March 17-21, March 24-28
- Denver, CO: March 10-14, March 17-21, March 24-28
If you’re interested, you can apply online on the GRID Alternatives website! The deadline for registration is December 2013. If you have any questions, contact Lilly at lzoller@gridalternatives.
