The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Competition Event has gotten even bigger, including the launch of two new workforce development programs.
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm announced the new programs during the 2022 competition, according to a May 27 news release. The new workforce development programs are aimed at bringing the collegiate competition's sustainable buildings experience, expertise and mentorship into high school classrooms, as well as to architectural studios across the nation.
"Solar Decathlon has always been about the students, and as we enter the competition's third decade, now is the time to expand our offerings to include more scholars – from high schoolers preparing to choose careers to practicing professionals who are ready to learn new skills," Solar Decathlon Building Technologies Director Holly Jamesen Carr said in the release.
The two new workforce development programs, Solar Decathlon Professionals and Solar Decathlon Pathways, are intended to "train professionals and inspire students" to consider careers in zero energy buildings and prepare them "to enter and thrive in this growing industry," the news release said.
"The Solar Decathlon is really a springboard to careers in clean energy, but we need to grow the ranks of big thinkers with bold ideas for new buildings that are energy efficient, affordable and designed with our communities in mind," Granholm said in the release. "That's why we're partnering with the American Institute of Architects to launch the new Solar Decathlon Professionals Program, which is aimed at imparting practical experience with zero-energy building design to professional architects and engineers."
Solar Decathlon Professionals, developed by the Solar Decathlon and the American Institute of Architects, will launch later this month to train industry professionals who want to integrate zero energy building techniques into their work. This month's first 10-week course will be provided by the American Institute of Architects, according to the release.
Solar Decathlon Pathways, for high school students, will launch this fall in hopes that young people who want a career in clean energy careers can be connecting to the Solar Decathlon's extensive network of competition alumni, the release reported.
"There is no one better suited to inspire the next generation of Solar Decathletes than our alumni network, which is now 40,000 strong and spread all over the world," Granholm said in the release.
