Charles “C.J.” Doyle, a graduate of JIREH Workforce Solutions’ solar training program, demonstrates solar panel installation at the nonprofit’s Near West Side center. Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times The lessons at a solar industry training center on the Near West Side go beyond installing solar panels. JIREH Workforce Solutions staff talk with students about “limiting beliefs” that hold people back, such as the misconception that someone is destined to repeat mistakes or c

A New Hub for Equitable Career Pathways Opens Its Doors in Chicago’s West Loop CHICAGO, IL [April 30, 2026] – JIREH Workforce Solutions and Summit Ridge Energy are proud to announce a strategic partnership to expand access to clean energy careers and celebrate the grand opening of JIREH’s workforce training center on Adams Street in Chicago. This collaboration reflects a […]

This project is one of 13 that Summit Ridge and Trajectory have partnered on to bring utility savings to communities across Illinois Summit Ridge Energy and Trajectory Energy Partners leaders break ground at Rock Cut Solar Community-Driven Community Solar project in Winnebago County, Illinois. Pictured from left to right : Keri Acevedo, Executive Director, Rockford […]

Summit Ridge Energy and 548 Foundation: Transforming lives through comprehensive clean energy training 18 motivated individuals and their families at the 548 Foundation’s fourth cohort graduation ceremony This past quarter, our partner organization, the 548 Foundation, made significant strides in advancing workforce development in the clean energy sector. This period saw the Solar Energy Career […]

For about a year, the 548 Foundation’s Clean Energy Training Program has offered 10- to 13-week courses teaching skills to help students land jobs in the state’s burgeoning solar industry. Phil Malone (center) demonstrates how to properly load a nail gun to students in the 548 Foundation Clean Energy Training Program. Zubaer Khan/Sun-Times On a […]

Rob Wallace, chief executive of Ecademy, instructs Traveli Ratcliff on cutting angles while learning how to install solar panels Monday. A new venture hopes to train 10,000 graduates over the next decade in solar panel installation. With the involvement of businesses and organizations, and maybe a boost from providence, a venture to train people in […]

Chicago’s new Sustainability Hub will train and employ 10,000+ local Illinois residents for solar careers. Participants complete harness training to install solar panels at heights. Chicago, IL (May 2, 2023) — The Sustainability Hub, a new Chicago job training center jointly developed by Power52’s Ecademy and 548 Enterprise (548), has proudly welcomed the first twenty trainees to […]

“Sustainability Hub” to train and employ 10,000+ local Illinois residents for solar careers