A new partnership between Austin Community College and the nonprofit group A Nurtured World gives students hands-on green job skills while helping local families reduce their electric bills.

ACC students will be installing solar panels as part of the Training Tomorrow program, which brings together students studying solar technology at ACC and low-income families. An installation is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, in Del Valle.

“This unique partnership benefits everyone involved,” says Alberto Quinonez, professor of Electronics and Advanced Technologies at ACC. “Families in need see lower bills, while our students get essential experience that will make them even more competitive for emerging green economy careers.”

The Applied Materials Foundation provided funding to A Nurtured World for this upcoming event, as well as for additional solar and home utility upgrades for low-income homeowners and public education events.   

“This program builds relationships between diverse communities and educates the public about the financial and environmental benefits of energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy,” says A Nurtured World Development Director Elizabeth Frisch.