Building Futures: The B.R.I.D.G.E. Program's Role in Advancing Native American Women in Solar Energy
This is the inaugural cohort of the B.R.I.D.G.E. Program (Bridging Renewable Industry Divides In Gender Equality) —an innovative workforce development initiative tailored specifically to create a pathway for Native American women to join the solar industry. This first year of the three-year program welcomed Native American women from across the Great Plains, to the desert Southwest. They represented the Esto’k Gna/ Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, Omaha, Diné , Menominee, Northern Arapaho, Crow, and the Oglala Lakota Nations.
The five-week, in-person solar energy training was funded by the DOE and organized and hosted by the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center near Pine Ridge, South Dakota. The program aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the expanding solar energy sector, while addressing the unique challenges faced by Native American women. Remote Energy provided the educational model, curriculum and training expertise.
A Unique and Comprehensive Training Experience
Leveraging its hands-on training expertise, Remote Energy collaborated as a partner to design the BRIDGE curriculum, and deliver a comprehensive learning experience that covered every aspect of a PV installation, from foundational principles to advanced practical techniques. During the first two weeks of the training the women were introduced to PV systems, solar components, electrical terminology, system architecture, and critical safety protocols. The course then progressed into more advanced topics and the development of technical skills, including mounting systems, wiring, inverter technology, interconnection considerations. Each day integrated theoretical lessons with practical labs, giving students immediate opportunities to apply their learning to real-world situations.
The third week emphasized PV installation practice, allowing participants to gain practical skills by installing, wiring, testing, and commissioning a variety of live, grid-tied, roof and ground-mounted PV systems under the guidance of expert trainers. Safety, code compliance and best practices for installation were key focal points of the workshops. All participants took full advantage of the many opportunities to gain hands-on, job site skills, and to practice using all the tools-of-the-trade alongside professional PV installers.
In the fourth week, participants earned their OSHA 10-hour construction safety certification and their first aid and CPR certification. They also gained experience with PV system design using Aurora software and explored energy storage options and their integration into PV systems.
The fifth and final week culminated in a capstone project, where the group of women applied their newly acquired skills to install a solar system for an elder in the Lakota community, making a meaningful contribution while gaining real-world experience. In addition to the physical installation, the women spent considerable time conducting a site analysis and layout, exploring permitting and interconnection details, and setting up a monitoring system.
Removing Barriers to Participation
In addition to the development of job skills, a hallmark of the BRIDGE Program is its commitment to cultural exchange and community building. Daily "talking circles" provide an opportunity for participants to learn from each other's cultures and experiences, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Understanding the unique challenges Native American women often face, BRIDGE also offers comprehensive support to ensure each participant's success. The program provides travel and childcare stipends, meals, and lodging, addressing logistical barriers that could otherwise hinder participation. Additionally, participants benefit from ongoing mentorship, job placement assistance, résumé-building support, and interview coaching.
Empowering Native Women through Leadership
One of BRIDGE’s most defining features is its leadership. Remote Energy worked to ensure the majority of instructors and guest speakers were Native American women, serving as both expert guides and relatable role models. This approach fosters inclusivity, empowerment, and a strong sense of community, helping participants navigate a traditionally male-dominated industry with confidence.
As one participant shared, "As a Native woman, it's hard and scary in this world. Having an all-women's class is important to bring more women into the industry. It feels so safe here. If it wasn’t a women-only class, I would not have applied."
Looking Forward
The BRIDGE Program is more than just a technical training initiative; it is a transformative experience aimed at opening doors for Native American women in the solar PV sector. The program promotes women’s empowerment and women’s entrepreneurship which are essential drivers for promoting inclusive economic growth and fostering communities where women can thrive as leaders and innovators. As the industry expands in Indian country, programs like BRIDGE play a vital role in ensuring that underrepresented groups have the tools, knowledge, and support necessary for success. By offering a blend of technical training, job placement assistance, and a strong, supportive community, BRIDGE is paving the way for Native American women to become leaders in the solar industry, empowering them to uplift their families and communities.
The BRIDGE Program is not only about career development; it is about reshaping the future of the PV industry and creating lasting change. As one participant put it, "This course is truly groundbreaking. I can honestly say it changed my life for the better."
With the conclusion of the program’s first year, the momentum continues to grow. Once the snow melts on the Great Plains, training will resume, and more women will take their first steps towards a new career while bridging the divides of gender and racial inequality in the PV industry.