The Rise Up Scholarship

Scholarship Overview

The Rise Up Scholarship partners with community-based organizations to provide discounted solar workforce training to individuals from historically underrepresented populations.

Now entering its fourth year with more than 100 recipients supported to date, the Rise Up Scholarship program is designed to expand access to solar careers and clean energy opportunities for underrepresented individuals and communities through partially funded solar training services. By reducing the costs of community-driven training, the program expands access to quality solar education that the MREA is known for.

Community-based organizations are essential partners in this effort. With their deep, established ties to local residents, these organizations understand the specific challenges, aspirations, and resources available in their regions. By collaborating with Rise Up, organizations can amplify their impact by equipping community members with tangible skills that lead to stable, well-paying jobs in the solar industry, while also contributing to the broader growth of a diverse and inclusive clean energy workforce.

Eligible Organizations

The Rise Up Scholarship supports organizations working to expand opportunities for underrepresented communities in the solar workforce. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to:

Building a more diverse renewable energy workforce
Directing scholarship funds to underrepresented groups in the solar industry
Planning and implementing use of the funds within the year they are awarded

Scholarship recipients will collaborate with the MREA training team to design a custom group training using MREA instructors and curriculum. Award amounts vary each year and are determined by a scholarship committee made up of MREA staff and board members, based on the strength of each application and alignment with the program’s goals.

The Rise Up Scholarship application period begins Monday, October 26, 2026 at 2 p.m. and ends on Friday, January 8, 2027 at 5 p.m. Awardees will be determined and notified by Friday, February 5, 2027 at 5 p.m.

The application period is now closed. If you have questions about your submission or next year’s scholarship cycle, please email courses@midwestrenew.org.

2026 Scholarship Awardees

Employment Connection of St. Louis

Employment Connection is a nonprofit St. Louis community asset that breaks down barriers to self-sufficiency for individuals with limited opportunities including the homeless, ex-offenders, U.S. veterans, high school dropouts, women on welfare, and at-risk youth. Offering more than just a job, Employment Connection provides valuable resources, training, and support to inspire and empower clients to change their circumstances and become employed.

Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network

The Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) was established to ensure that Detroit’s African American population plays a significant role in the local food movement. Through their initiatives, they strive to create sustainable, equitable food systems and advocate for policies that address the unique challenges faced by Black communities in Detroit and beyond.

Association House of Chicago

Association House’s mission is to advance each person’s full participation in the life of their families, communities, and society. The House is a vibrant, inclusive home for people on a journey to live their fullest life with values rooted in integrity, excellence, respect, leadership, and education.

Support the Future of Solar

The Rise Up Scholarship represents an opportunity to make a direct and measurable impact on the clean energy sector. The program is continuing to build momentum in helping underrepresented individuals and communities gain the skills, credentials, and confidence they need to succeed in solar careers.

Donors play a critical role in making this work possible. Contributions not only support the delivery of high-quality technical training but also empower community-based organizations that provide guidance and wraparound support to participants. Investing in Rise Up is more than a charitable act — it is an investment in the future of the clean energy economy. Every dollar helps diversify the workforce, strengthens local economies, and creates pathways to sustainable, family-supporting careers.

For donors committed to equity, workforce development, and climate solutions, the Rise Up Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to see lasting change both for individuals and for the clean energy industry as a whole. Will you help us meet the needs of the solar industry and support underserved students as they enter the clean energy workforce?

DONATE TODAY!

SPREAD THE WORD!

Corporate Sponsorship

Consider a one-time or rolling donation to the Rise Up Scholarship to showcase your company’s support of advancing access to solar workforce training.

Any donation of $500 or greater gets your company acknowledgement as a Corporate Sponsor of the Rise Up Scholarship program. Your sponsorship directly supports community organizations and students, providing them with funding to support quality education from experienced instructors and the tools needed to start a career in the clean energy industry.

To become a committed partner, contact celia@midwestrenew.org

Donation Recognition

Listing on the MREA Donor Recognition and Rise Up Scholarship webpages.

Logo featured in Rise Up social media promotion.

Logo feature in the MREA monthly newsletter following your donation.

Receive Rise Up donor media kit to promote donations and encourage others to donate.

Rise Up Funder Badge added to company’s profile on the MREA Business Member Directory. Must be an active MREA Member to receive benefit

Thank you to our corporate sponsors!

“When we make donations to the scholarship program, we know that the funds are going to directly support students, and that is a huge value to solar companies, and the solar industry as a whole.”

– Nick Matthes, Illumination Solar