Success Story: Solar Training 2025 Graduate Raeven Terrell
Raeven Terrell is one of 9 graduates who completed a 10-week clean energy workforce training (CEWT) program in the North Lawndale community. The program was administered by Elevate in partnership with GRID Alternatives, Sesenergi Eco Solutions, and North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN).
Terrell, a multidisciplinary artist and environmental activist from the South Side of Chicago, hopes to use what she learned in the program to educate the public about clean energy systems.
Terrell decided to enroll because she wanted to learn more about different aspects of the environmental science field after spending the past five years teaching high school students about conservation.
“Clean energy goes hand in hand with environmental science, and I felt this was an opportunity to really sharpen my skills, learn something new, and be able to bring that information back to the community to pay it forward,” Terrell said.
This 10-week hands-on solar installation training program is designed to provide students with the skills and certifications necessary to thrive in the green economy. Participants receive stipends that reflect industry wages along with comprehensive wrap-around support—including transportation, work attire, tutoring, and financial coaching—as they take part in hands-on solar installation training to earn industry-recognized certifications.
The bonds Terrell created with her instructors were what really made the program stand out to her. Even though it was challenging to learn so much in such a short period of time, Terrell said she felt truly supported by her mentors and that made all the difference.
“The curriculum was wonderful, but it would have been nothing without the people behind it who pushed you forward and gave you energy,” Terrell said. “There was a big learning curve because we covered so many new topics in just 10 weeks, and not just technical skills but hands-on skills as well. Having our mentors in the room step in and keep it honest with us about how difficult some of the lessons were and meet us halfway made it easier for me to meet them the other half of the way.”
Shortly after graduating from the program, Terrell accepted an entry-level sales position at a solar energy company where she is now scheduling installation appointments and answering customers’ questions about the process.
“I’m really looking forward to my new position because I’m interested in educating people about what kind of system they need to buy and guiding clients from point A all the way to point D, when they’re finally powering up their new system,” Terrell said. “I have always seen myself as an educator and I look forward to being that beacon and empowering my community with the information they need, not just to convince them to buy a solar system but to truly understand its benefits.”
To learn more about Terrell’s activism and art, visit her Instagram. Connect with Elevate by following us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. Send us a message through Instagram or Facebook or call us at (773) 269-4037.
