SunEdison, a leading solar technology manufacturer and provider of solar energy services today announced that it has donated 20 photovoltaic solar modules to a vocational program that helps former gang members contribute to their community. The donation was made in support of Homeboy Industries, a Los Angeles organization that helps high-risk, formerly gang-involved men and women change their lives.
Homeboy Industries was founded in 1988 by Father Gregory Boyle and is the largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program in the United States. The organization provides a continuum of free services to men and women who have previously been incarcerated and/or involved in gangs and want to make a change in their lives. Services include counseling, tattoo removal and vocational education.
“When we select potential career tracks for our clients we need to be confident that they’ll be able to earn a living for years to come so they won’t try to return to a gang for survival,” said Father Gregory Boyle. “We included solar in our job training program because it’s one of the fastest growing segments in the U.S. economy. We really appreciate the donation from SunEdison as it enables the men and women we serve to train on the same equipment they’ll be working with in the field; putting them on the path to success in their new career.”
The 20 modules will be used at East Los Angeles Skills Center (ELASC), an adult education facility that serves the community by providing short-term career and technical training. Homeboy Industries relies on ELASC to provide education to its trainees who are pursuing a career in the solar industry.
SunEdison is committed to making solar energy affordable and accessible for all people. One of the ways the company achieves this goal is to collaborate with organizations like Homeboy Industries to provide job training, equipment and expertise.
“Having a positive impact on the community is part of our culture,” said Ravi Sankaran, director of corporate social responsibility at SunEdison. “Supporting Homeboy Industries is a win-win as they provide unparalleled rehabilitation services while feeding the talent pool in the growing solar installation market in which we participate. It is an honor to donate these 20 panels to their PV training program and we look forward to seeing the transformative benefits that will result.”
— Solar Builder magazine
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