Are you a high school or college-student who wants to have an impact? Are you an adult (teachers, coach, group leader, counselor, etc.) who works with youth and is looking for a way to channel their energy for the greater good? Check out the Arlington Energy Masters Student Apprenticeship program!
The Arlington Energy Masters program is offering high school and college students the opportunity to learn hands-on techniques for improving energy and water efficiency in the program through its new apprenticeship program. Student volunteers will get training on skills including:
- sealing air leaks around doors, windows, and electrical switch plates
- installing low-flow faucet aerators and shower heads, and
- installing flow restrictors in toilets.
This program is open to high school and college students, and applications are now being accepted with a deadline of July 31. There is no requirement for specific background or experience in order to volunteer, but students must be at least 16 years of age. Volunteers will be paired with an adult Energy Masters Volunteer mentor who will serve as a resource and guide throughout the first year. After training, students must commit 20 hours of service to the community. In addition to the apprenticeship program, there is a community volunteer program for adults interested in volunteering.
The Arlington Energy Masters Program is an excellent model for energy efficiency, community engagement, and volunteer activism. After going through a training program, volunteers give back to the community by doing hands-on improvements to increase energy and water efficiency in affordable housing apartments units. Since the program’s inception in 2011, volunteers have helped 257 families living in affordable housing buildings in Arlington decrease their energy and water usage.
The program was created by EcoAction Arlington working in partnership with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Arlington Thrive (formerly Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs), and the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services. Affordable housing partners include the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) and AHC, Inc.
‘œThe Arlington Energy Masters program is transforming our community one apartment at a time. Our passionate volunteers give their time, sweat, and expertise. Their work immediately reduces the utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions from these homes. And, they help raise the tenants’ energy literacy, which empowers even more sustainable action.’ says Colleen Morgan, vice chair of EcoAction Arlington.
In each apartment unit, volunteer teams work through a 25-point checklist of improvements. With estimated savings of more than $250 per year on electricity and water bills for a typical household, residents are gaining concrete savings on their monthly bills, increased comfort, and the satisfaction of doing their part to combat climate change.
Please share this information with high school and college students, and those who work with them. And, learn more about our Energy Masters community volunteer program for adults.
