ELEVATE’S FIRST YOUNG-ADULT SOLAR TRAINING PROGRAM EMPOWERS 7 CHICAGOANS TO LAUNCH REWARDING CAREERS IN CLEAN ENERGY, FUEL HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

ELEVATE’S FIRST YOUNG-ADULT SOLAR TRAINING PROGRAM EMPOWERS 7 CHICAGOANS TO LAUNCH REWARDING CAREERS IN CLEAN ENERGY, FUEL HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

Nonprofits Elevate, Cultivate Collective, and Sesenergi Eco Solutions congratulate the seven graduates of their inaugural Young Adult Clean Energy Training Program, who are now equipped with the skills to land well-paying jobs in the growing clean energy industry.

CHICAGO, ILL. – Elevate, in partnership with Cultivate Collective, Sesenergi Eco Solutions, and Priority Consulting & Services, celebrated the graduation of seven young adults from its inaugural Young Adult Clean Energy Training Program. The ten-week program equipped graduates aged 18-24 from Chicago’s Southwest Side with the skills they need to succeed in the solar industry by pairing a robust training curriculum with personalized case management and holistic support. In addition to gaining technical expertise and industry-recognized credentials, the graduates developed communication and problem-solving skills that will contribute to their long-term success as professionals.

“It's an honor to celebrate the incredible achievements of the young adults who completed our first solar training program in LeClaire Courts,” says Dr. Anne Evens, CEO of Elevate. “The skills, confidence, and connections they’ve gained through the program will provide a strong foundation for their careers in the clean energy sector. As these young leaders shape their futures, they’re helping to build a cleaner, healthier Chicago. We’re excited to see where their skills, passion, and initiative take them next.”

One of the graduates, Joshua Paz, is an alumnus of the Academy for Global Citizenship, a Kindergarten-8th Grade charter school on Cultivate Collective’s campus. He said he developed an interest in clean energy as a child because sustainability was a core part of the school’s curriculum, and he felt inspired to learn more after graduating high school.

“The most helpful part of the Clean Energy Training program was all the different support we got,” says Paz. “Our instructors are always offering tutoring sessions and meetings to go over our resumes and cover letters. There’s been support the whole way, and if we have questions, it’s very easy to ask them. I’m really looking forward to getting out into the field and applying everything we’ve learned in class.”

The fall 2025 cohort was hosted at the educational non-profit Cultivate Collective’s 6-acre site in their state-of-the-art geodesic domes, with immersive hands-on learning led by experts in an environment that encourages curiosity and collaboration. The campus—designed to foster sustainability, innovation, and community resilience—provided an ideal backdrop for cultivating the next generation of clean energy leaders.

“We are so proud of the Fall 2025 cohort and all they’ve accomplished at our Cultivate Collective community hub,” shares Lekisha Gunn, Cultivate’s Community Programs and Partnerships Coordinator. “From local mentorship to resume building and hands-on training, these talented graduates will enter the clean energy industry with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.”

Cultivate Collective recently won in the Climate Champion category at the 2025 Chicago Innovation Awards, underscoring their commitment to sustainable approach to community revitalization and lasting positive impact on Chicago.

“It has been an honor to partner with Elevate and Sesenergi to host this group and strengthen economic opportunity for our southwest Chicago communities,” says Gunn. “Cultivate Collective is excited to see this inaugural cohort thrive, and we look forward to expanding our career development programs in service of a resilient, equitable, and vibrant future for all.”

Dedicated to preparing individuals for careers in the clean energy sector, Sesenergi led the training for the cohort and empowered participants with both the theoretical understanding and practical expertise required to thrive in the renewable energy industry.

"What was unique about this cohort and program was that we were immersed in sustainability because it’s part of the location’s culture. That bled into the way we were able to set the tone and deliver our traditional curriculum,” adds Sesenegi Eco Solutions Enterprise’s CEO, Senyo Ador. “We’re so proud of the students. They came in excited, and their excitement did not wane. They were high-spirited the whole way, and we look forward to supporting them in their next journey of finding gainful employment in the space.”

Priority Consulting & Services (PCS) provided personalized case management support for program participants. This team of educators, social workers, and therapists is committed to addressing barriers that can hinder personal and professional growth by connecting participants with critical resources and support systems.

“It has been both mission-fulfilling and inspiring to partner in this important work. The students have demonstrated a tremendous commitment to becoming clean-energy work-ready,” says Antwon Chambers, Chief Operating Officer of PCS is proud of the participants' dedication and excited to see them step into jobs and opportunities within the clean-energy sector. We look forward to watching these young leaders create pathways that generate even more opportunities in their communities.

Strong partnerships, as represented by initiatives like this, combine resources, expertise, and community relationships to drive sustainable change in communities. By working together, organizations can create lasting impact, expand access to opportunity, and drive innovation that reflects the needs and strengths of the people they serve.


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