Tribal Energy Associates
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Since 2022, TEA has been offering the Tribal Energy Associates Program which serves as an opportunity for tribal members to engage in culturally curated curriculum related to Tribal Renewable Energy. Energy Associates engage with an online learning platform that encourages the learning of skills and knowledge to advance the work of solar and renewable energy development specific to tribal communities. Energy Associates are exposed to the non-profit solar industry, grant making, policy, project management basics, and marketing/communications. TEA’s curriculum was created in partnership with our TEA and GRID experts who have direct project management experience with designing, financing, and installing tribal solar projects.
In 2025, TEA received over record breaking applications throughout Indian Country with interest to join the program. With a growing demand of interest from tribal members, TEA has moved to structure the Tribal Energy Associates program to be offered at a local regional level. Working in partnership with philanthropic support, Native organizations, and additional state-based grants, Tribal Energy Associates is aimed at creating paid learning opportunities accessible for all tribal members no matter the participants’ education or career background.
Paid Learning Opportunities
Tribal Energy Alternatives offers two tracks, a 6-week and 12-week cohort model. Each program includes the following:
- Paid individual learning stipend 6-week ($5000 stipend) and 12-week ($9000 stipend)
- Associates will use an online learning platform to build skills and knowledge in solar and renewable energy project development.
- Attend scheduled large group live virtual meetings, as well as virtual 1:1 meeting with their mentors.
- Each Associate will be paired up with a mentor who has experience in tribal renewable energy who will assist in learning more about bringing tribal projects to their yy communities.