Since our founding in 2018, CPA has been focused on supporting local sustainability programs and student initiatives that help address the demand for increasing amounts of renewable energy in California, while preparing local communities for the skilled workforce of contractors, electricians and green leaders that will install and develop the clean energy technology and infrastructure of tomorrow.
To meet this demand, CPA has dedicated more than $1 million to workforce development programs and skills training that connect job opportunities to people in marginalized communities, while providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants for selected local non-profit organizations to advance clean energy goals, such as growing green jobs, promoting environmental education, and supporting energy equity and diversity initiatives in the 35 communities that CPA serves.
Recently the Columbia Memorial Space Center received $20,000 in Community Benefits Grant funding to support the annual City of STEM Innovation Challenge, the largest program promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in Los Angeles. The program is committed to opening equitable access to STEM learning, particularly to those members of the public from marginalized communities, as well as under-resourced neighborhoods throughout the county.
Anika Jha, the Grand Prize Winner of the 2024 Innovation Challenge, began researching ways to help address environmental issues by developing an original “Fire Drone”, utilizing imaging technology, solar power, 3D printing and dry fire extinguishing powder to combat wildfires and make a difference in her community.
“When I joined the City of STEM Innovation Challenge, I researched current environmental problems in Los Angeles and California, and wildfires really stuck out to me. As summer was arriving soon and historical records showed drastic increases in California wildfires, I was shocked knowing that such a huge threat existed right where I lived and that existing actions to counter them haven’t made as much progress as we’ve been hoping. So, the idea for Fire Drones was born.”
In addition to providing grant funding for activities like the Innovation Challenge, CPA also supports the Los Angeles Clean Tech Incubator (LACI) Maintenance Training Program, which provides hands on training and certification on tools and equipment, and the Smart Buildings and Smart Cities Program, where CPA has provided funding for classroom materials for the Energy Storage & Microgrid Certification Program in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
CPA has also provided annual funding for the Voyager Scholarship Program, which provides support to seven community colleges in Los Angeles and Ventura County and is designed to nurture the local renewable energy workforce by developing the next generation of green energy leaders.
Anika believes it is imperative that we creatively and collectively work towards sustainable practices to help address the worsening impact of climate change.
“From manufacturing processes to turning on your light bulb, replacing traditional energy sources with renewable energy will significantly reduce pollutants and damage in the long term. Of course, we can only save the environment if we all work together, and sustainability is the way to go.”
She concluded, “Environmental sustainability means responsibly managing and conserving resources for current and future generations, meaning it will play an important role in work efficiency and keeping our world pristine in the future. We have already greatly advanced in our sustainability journeys and need to keep coming up with new and innovative solutions to thrive.”
The Community Benefits Grant application period for 2024-2025 is currently open, with all applications due by 5 PM Friday, September 13, 2024. Local non-profits interested in applying for the grant can click here, cleanpoweralliance.org/cbg.
To learn more about CPA’s workforce development efforts, visit cleanpoweralliance.org/workforce/.
