Empowering the Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders: A Q&A with Program Director Renée Solari
CAPS program director Renée Solari is passionate about developing and managing programs that serve youth, school districts, and communities. Renée is particularly focused on empowering young people from all walks of life to find career pathways to well-paid and fulfilling work in green industries.
Before joining CAPS, Renée worked in the solar industry for 22 years. She managed dozens of projects to build commercial solar systems for governments and businesses, enabling them to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She also managed a K-12 solar and STEM education program for more than 30 school districts, including developing internship programs for high school and college students to train and inspire the next generation of solar professionals and renewable energy advocates.
In this Q&A, Renée shares her goals and ambitions as program director at CAPS and how she hopes her work will help all interns recognize “their power and intelligence to do impactful and meaningful work.”
What are your overarching goals and ambitions as program director at CAPS?
I’m excited about furthering our vision to provide every student with an opportunity to pursue a fulfilling career in the growing green economy and the chance to attend a climate-resilient, healthy, and sustainable school. We have a fantastic staff of passionate and capable people and a board that helps us identify the opportunities and resources we need to be successful. First, we are fortifying our operational foundation to optimize our programs’ effectiveness, efficiency, and nimbleness. With this, we can innovate and focus our expertise on developing our industry partnership community and expanding school district partners to serve more youth.
How do you see CAPS' new apprenticeship program building upon our existing internship model, adding vital layers that will strengthen our mission and empower the next generation of sustainability leaders?
We are thrilled to build upon our successful work-based learning program for sustainability occupations with a new Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for opportunity youth. If our current program is a heavy appetizer, our RAP is the main dish, providing apprentices with deeper hands-on experiences in professional, scientific, and technical services within building decarbonization, zero-emission vehicles, food systems, and water and waste management career sectors. And since we will be leveraging supplemental course work at community colleges and industry resources with paid work with industry partners, apprentices will attain the competencies for the growing number of sustainability related careers. And of course, our industry network will have direct access with the next generation of qualified candidates. That’s the cherry on top.
Why is industry collaboration a critical component of CAPS’ work, and what benefits does the program provide students?
CAPS provides the first level of learning and exposure to green energy, sustainable food systems, water conservation, zero-emission transportation, and waste management. We rely on partnerships to bring the next level of exposure and expertise, so students have a stronger foundation and path to pursue careers in these areas. Industry partners can support the development of our curriculum, provide training, host field trips, and offer paid work opportunities with our apprenticeship program.
How does your background in the commercial solar industry inform your work at CAPS?
I worked with people in almost every role, from panel manufacturing to engineering, business development, construction, and operations. These experiences give me great insight into the experiences and education needed to help people build careers in the energy industry. That knowledge is invaluable as I develop curriculum, create projects, and secure industry partner support to provide truly robust learning for high school students.
How does your previous work managing a K-12 solar and STEM education program for school districts inform the programs you aim to develop/advance for CAPS students?
That experience made it clear that a successful program is built on a foundation of partnerships with the right teachers, staff, and local industry partners. CAPS' strength and unique role is as a connector and capacity-builder. We integrate innovative real-world learning projects for students that help school districts reduce their operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
What is a favorite from your work at CAPS so far?
I have the pleasure of a recurring favorite moment: when an intern recognizes their power and intelligence to do impactful and meaningful work. Our belief in their capabilities shows them that they truly have choices in pursuing fulfilling careers they might never have imagined for themselves.