91ÌÒÉ«

WHAT: Graduation ceremony celebrating the achievements of Solar and Climate Works graduates through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).

WHEN: 6 p.m., Thursday, April 30.

WHERE: 91ÌÒÉ«’s Scott Bibb Center, 1004 E. 5^th St., Alton, IL 62002

WHO: Among those expected to speak are 91ÌÒÉ« Adult Education Associate Dean Val Harris, Pathway Resource Development Director Sabrina Davis, Solar Photovoltaic Instructor Kyle Barber and Adult Education Transition Coordinator Chloe Stockard.

WHY: These are multiple 91ÌÒÉ« Climate Works cohorts, our most recent Solar trainees, and graduates of our Clean Energy bridge classes. The program continues to provide a steady flow of skilled professionals into the local labor force.

BACKGROUND: The CEJA was signed into Illinois law in September 2021. It is a comprehensive law aiming for 100 percent carbon-free power by 2045 by prioritizing clean energy jobs and environmental justice, phasing out fossil fuel-fired units, expanding renewable energy and electric vehicle adoption, and strengthening utility ethics.

A key component of the act is creating programs like the CEJA Workforce Hub and Illinois Solar for All to provide training and jobs, particularly in communities that have faced environmental harms and disinvestment.