The EMPOWERED! program, launched in partnership with IMPACT Community Action, is lighting the path toward an inclusive clean energy future. Focused on providing hands-on training, certifications, and career pathways in the growing clean energy and skilled trades industries, EMPOWERED! opens doors for Columbus residents—particularly women, people of color, and residents in Opportunity Neighborhoods—to build lasting careers. By investing in people as much as in renewable power, the program is transforming what a clean energy transition looks like, one empowered individual at a time.
Since its launch, 111 Columbus residents have graduated from the EMPOWERED! program. Many graduates go on to complete the two-week solar training offered by IMPACT and are employed by partners like EcoHouse Solar, Connect Housing Blocks, and Illuminate USA, entering the workforce with skills that support their futures and strengthen the City’s clean energy economy.
EMPOWERED! Spotlight: Mike Neal
Meet Mike Neal, a Columbus resident and recent graduate of both the EMPOWERED! program and IMPACT’s solar training initiative. Armed with new skills and hands-on experience, Mike secured a job with EcoHouse Solar, turning his training into a meaningful career in renewable energy.
At his graduation ceremony, Mike shared an inspiring message with his peers, encouraging them to chase their dreams. Recently, Mike and his partner welcomed a new baby, making this opportunity all the more life changing. His story is a powerful example of how EMPOWERED! is helping to change the City’s clean energy future through hard work and community support.
How to Get Involved
The EMPOWERED! program is open to Columbus residents who are eager to gain hands-on experience and credentials in the growing fields of energy efficiency, construction, and solar technology. Join EMPOWERED! with the interest form here or contact empowered@impactca.org for more details.
Join Clean Energy Columbus Today
Interested in playing your part to support a cleaner future? Call AEP Energy at 877-726-0214 to join Clean Energy Columbus, the City’s Community Choice Aggregation program.
Through CEC, residents and businesses are helping build a cleaner, healthier and more resilient city powered entirely by renewable energy.