Nationwide — Black Sustainability, Inc. (BSI) has partnered with Ayika Solutions Inc. and ReGen Community Advisory, Inc. — members of the Community Access to Sustainable Technology and Training (C.A.S.T.) collective, to lead the expansion of clean energy workforce development in Southwest Atlanta through the Installation Basics Training (IBT) program in partnership with national nonprofit GRID Alternatives.
Rooted in community leadership and local relationships, the initiative represents a new model for workforce development where trusted community-based organizations drive engagement, shape programming, and connect residents to sustainable career pathways in the growing clean energy economy.
The IBT program provides hands-on training for entry-level careers in solar and clean energy, combining national expertise from GRID Alternatives with locally driven implementation led by BSI and C.A.S.T.
Participants receive instruction in:
• Solar photovoltaic system installation and design
• OSHA 10 safety certification and jobsite readiness
• Electrical fundamentals and troubleshooting
• Energy efficiency and sustainability principles
• Workforce readiness, career coaching, and job placement support
Graduates earn industry-recognized certifications and gain direct access to employment pathways in solar installation, maintenance, and related technical fields. What distinguishes the program is its community-centered approach. BSI and the CASST collective lead outreach, recruitment, mentorship, and wraparound support to ensure the program remains accessible and responsive to residents often overlooked by traditional workforce systems.
“Too often we stop at concepts and theory; this workforce program is about building something that lasts,” said Raina Turner-Greenlea, Co-Founder & Ecosystem Director of Black Sustainability, Inc. “We are honored to collectively work with leaders like Dr. Erica Holloman-Hill and Fred Stevens to ensure we create pathways that connect residents to green collar opportunities, expand clean energy access to reduce energy burdens, and truly strengthen the fabric of our community.”
“GRID is proud to collaborate with and support the leadership of BSI and the C.A.S.T. collective,” said Adewale Ogunbadejo, Vice President of Workforce Development for GRID Alternatives. “The impact we are seeing in Southwest Atlanta is driven by community trust, local expertise, and a shared commitment to long-term outcomes.”
The initiative builds on the deep cultural history and resilience of Southwest Atlanta by bringing workforce opportunities directly into the community and ensuring residents can participate in and benefit from the clean energy transition. With nearly 70 applicants, BSI and the C.A.S.T. collective invite committed funders, employers, city leaders, and community stakeholders to partner in scaling this work through ongoing support for training cohorts, direct employment/contracts, participant services, and community-centered workforce development models.
For more information and/or to get started, visit BlackSustainability.org
About Black Sustainability, Inc. (BSI)
Black Sustainability, Inc. is a community-rooted nonprofit advancing sustainability, culturally-relevant workforce development, and environmental stewardship through locally driven programs and partnerships across the global south.
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is a national nonprofit providing clean energy workforce training and renewable energy access programs across the United States. The mission of GRID Alternatives is to build
community-powered solutions that advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.
About C.A.S.T.
The Community Access to Sustainable Technology and Training (C.A.S.T.) collective includes Black Sustainability, Inc., Ayika Solutions Inc., and ReGen Community Advisory, Inc., working to expand access to careers in clean energy and sustainability through community-centered workforce initiatives.
For press inquiries, contact Jordan Roberts at jordan@blacksustainability.org
