By Simone Slykhous 

SEI is proud of the incredible and inspiring sustainability leaders who serve on our board. Today, we spotlight Alyssa Thomas, Program Officer of Invest in Our Future. For 10 years, Alyssa has been committed to building just and equitable economic opportunities for communities, businesses, and workers. 

By Gabbie Ulloa-Rodrigues

The HBCU Energy Leadership Pathway is more than just a program. It’s a gateway to meaningful careers in energy for students in the Carolinas. "Yet, this program is about so much more than just career readiness — it’s about empowering our future leaders and making sure HBCU students have a seat at the table in shaping the future of energy," says Aleena Oakley, the HBCU Pathway Program Coordinator. "Our goal is to provide HBCU students with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive in the energy sector."
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Offered by energy trade association E4 Carolinas, in partnership with SEI, the Pathway builds a workforce ready to drive innovation and equity in energy. The goal is to increase the number of HBCU students pursuing careers in this vital industry. Open to students of all majors, this program provides hands-on experiences, mentorship, and career development opportunities.

​Ken Canavan, President of E4 Carolinas mentioned: "As a society, all we do, all we create, all we innovate depends on energy. A career in energy is not only personally rewarding but provides the foundation for today’s society. This program provides students with an opportunity to engage in this important field and employers exceptionally qualified candidates. It is a win for all." 

By Isaí Rea

By Matilda Peck

Solving the climate crisis can feel insurmountable, but we know that it’s possible – with the right people. Currently, there’s a massive workforce gap in the energy efficiency sector and other green workforce industries. Simply put, there aren’t enough skilled people to fill these jobs. ​

By Gabriella Ulloa-Rodrigues

This semester, exciting things are happening at California State University, Monterey Bay. Two Energize Colleges interns, Andrew Hurtado and Evelyn La, are driving climate projects under the guidance of Daniel Fernandez, Professor in the Department of Applied Environmental Science. ​

By Matilda Peck

On a hot day in August, I wandered through the San Francisco Botanical Garden, slightly lost. I’d come to meet the Climate Corps Education Outside (CCEO) Fellows, a group of passionate garden educators, in the midst of orientation for the 2023-2024 school year. Just as I was doubting my navigation, I heard laughter and excited voices up ahead and knew I’d come to the right place. The trail opened to a large clearing where thirty-six CCEO Fellows were gathering for lunch. ​

When you think about ways to mitigate climate change, do beavers and beaver dams come to mind? Maybe not, but have you ever seen a beaver in action or their dams? If so, you probably saw a lush surrounding landscape. Why might that be? Well, the water in the stream or creek slowly backs up behind the dams and covers the land, which then creates a wetland teeming with life. ​​