Youth Education & Workforce Development
Sparking student leadership through energy lessons and resources.
Sonoma Water
Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) is proud to partner with Sonoma Water on the Water and Energy Education Program, which provides comprehensive environmental education to K-12 students in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. Through classroom visits, field trips, and hands-on activities, students explore topics like electricity, renewable energy, and climate change.
- Each year, Sonoma Water reaches nearly 6,000 students across 250 classrooms.
- Ove 450 students participate in SCP’s Climate Action Challenge at our Customer Center annually.
- Thanks to our partnership with Sonoma Water, more than 11,000 students have attended ZunZun's musical assembly, which uses dynamic storytelling and multicultural music to teach environmental concepts like water conservation and renewable energy in an engaging, bilingual format. To learn more about ZunZun musical assembly, click here.
- Through the school supplies program, 60,000 conservation-focused items like pencils, rulers, and maps are distributed to students in need.
Sonoma County Office of Education – The Duck Curve Challenge
Supported by Sonoma Clean Power, the Duck Curve Challenge invites 7th–12th grade students to tackle one of renewable energy's biggest challenges: managing peak electricity demand. Using design thinking, students create innovative solutions to reduce evening energy use while advancing clean power initiatives. This program provides hands-on experience with energy systems, professional skills development, and exposure to clean energy careers, empowering students to shape a sustainable future.
Mike Hauser Academy
Sonoma Clean Power is a host business for the Mike Hauser Academy, an award-winning program in collaboration with local Chambers of Commerce. Designed for incoming 9th-grade English Language Learner (ELL) students and those needing additional support in math and science, this three-week summer program bridges the gap between education and STEM careers. Students visit STEM-focused companies, interact with professionals, and participate in hands-on activities to see how classroom lessons apply to real-world jobs. Each summer, SCP hosts two classes of 15-20 students for hands-on projects, presentations, and a career panel with SCP staff.
Career Technical Education (CTE) Foundation
Sonoma Clean Power partners with the Career Technical Education (CTE) Foundation, a Sonoma County nonprofit innovating education-to-career pathways. Since 2012, CTE Foundation has invested over $11 million to create and enhance more than 145 career technical education courses in agriculture, engineering, healthcare, and other fields.
Through this partnership, we are expanding STEM and climate resilience pathways to align classroom learning with workforce needs. Key initiatives include supporting the Switch EV program, teacher training, and curriculum innovation that connects students with local career opportunities in sustainability and green technology.
The LIME Foundation – NextGen Trades Academy
Sonoma Clean Power partners with The LIME Foundation’s NextGen Trades Academy to empower youth with skills in green building and vocational trades. Students explore approximately 24 trades, including architecture, plumbing, roofing, electrical, and solar technology. Focusing on students 16-24 from low income and disadvantaged communities, this program equips young people with job-ready skills, connects them with local contractors, and helps them build careers in trades that contribute to a more sustainable community.
Scholarships
Sonoma Clean Power is dedicated to supporting the next generation of renewable energy and building trade professionals through scholarship programs at Mendocino College, Sonoma State University, and Santa Rosa Junior College. Each year, we award $11,000 in scholarships to students who excel academically, demonstrate financial need, and have a strong passion for STEM and the building trades.
- One $1,500 scholarship is awarded at Mendocino College.
- Three $1,500 scholarships are awarded at Santa Rosa Junior College.
- One $5,000 scholarship is awarded at Sonoma State University.
These scholarships cover approximately one year’s tuition for each recipient and are funded through permanent endowments, ensuring a lasting impact.