through design was awarded a 2020 CERTs Seed Grant to help fund two workshops in Duluth, focusing on often-underserved populations, about the science and benefits of using solar energy.
CERTs (Clean Energy Resource Teams) is a Minnesota nonprofit dedicated to connecting people to the resources they need to enact community-focused clean energy projects. They award grants statewide for projects and educational initiatives centered on energy efficiency and renewable energy — this year, through design’s proposal received one of the 35 grants awarded.
Two community workshops will be funded with the resources provided by CERTs, plus the generous participation of Duluth non-profits Ecolibrium3, AICHO, the Family Freedom Center, and Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light. The workshops are associated with the initiative Outside the Box, coordinated by Rachel Wagner of through design LLC and Tiersa Wodash of Brick and Mortar LLC. Outside the Box is a new program housed at Ecolibrium3 which provides students and their families with opportunities for non-traditional education and community engagement focused on design, construction and creative problem-solving. The curriculum integrates concepts of sustainability, energy and climate resilience.
These free family workshops will engage and educate community members about the role renewable energy might play in their lives and their communities, with a focus on addressing racial and economic inequity. Attendees will participate in discussions about renewable energy, climate change, and economic justice, including ways that they can contribute to or lead the transition to renewable energy. Guest speakers will include entrepreneurs who will share their own stories of work in the clean energy sector. The events will provide information about education, training and jobs related to renewable energy, and will also include activities for students.
One workshop will be held at AICHO and one at the Family Freedom Center. Stay tuned for confirmation of dates and details of the activities.
Together, our organizations are working to advance economic opportunity and environmental justice.
Students prepare materials for an Outside the Box solar energy workshop, Summer 2019.