Companies create program to expand women's access to the solar sector

Nextracker and Solar Energy International have announced a partnership to launch a global scholarship program to support women entering the solar workforce. Called “Half the Sun,” the scholarship is inspired by Pulitzer Prize-winning Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s book Half the Sky, which tells the story of challenges turned into opportunities.

Both companies believe that women remain underrepresented in the solar industry, despite the consensus that a diverse workplace makes smart business sense. According to the latest study released by IRENA (the National Renewable Energy Agency), women account for just 28% of jobs in science, technology, engineering or mathematics in the global solar industry.

The program’s goal is to increase female and non-binary participation to 50% over the next decade. To this end, the program will provide ten female students with a full scholarship for a six-week solar training course over the course of three years. The program provides financial assistance to candidates seeking education in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

There will be two scholarships for the following continents: Europe, the United States, the MEIAT region (Middle East, Africa, India, and Turkey); Australia and Asia-Pacific; and Latin America. To participate, women and non-binary individuals must have earned a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or a related area of ​​concentration.

From the date the awards are announced, fellows will have access to regional members of the network Nextracker Women's Network with the aim of guaranteeing and continuing your career, building your network and providing individual guidance.

The beneficiaries will also have access to the network of professionals to bridge professional placement in the solar sector, as well as a platform to discuss and share experiences in the workplace, ranging from the challenges of carrying out their duties during motherhood in their roles to gender imbalances in the workplace.