More than 50 Connecticut students graduate from Green STEP Clean Energy Program

With their sights set on a career in the energy efficiency and green building trade industries, more than 50 Connecticut high school students recently graduated from the Green STEP Summer Program. The three-week paid-to-train development program, which helps set the clean energy workforce of the future up for success, is offered by Energize Connecticut Sponsors Eversource and Avangrid Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas.

During the awards ceremony, held July 10 at Gateway Community College, students were presented with their program completion certificates and had an opportunity to participate in a career expo as well as meet with area businesses on available internship and career opportunities.

“Helping clean energy jobs flourish in Connecticut is essential to our state’s future and underscores the growing significance of this industry,” said Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian. “Over the past three years, investments in this sector have supported nearly 46,000 jobs statewide. This industry is growing rapidly, and we need more trained, skilled professionals entering the workforce to support its future – which will spur increased economic development for communities across the state. We want to thank all of the Green STEP instructors and students for their commitment and contributions to our local economy, which will help make our communities more sustainable for years to come.”

“Since expanding the Green STEP program in 2023, the program is now in 39 traditional and technical high schools and has awarded more than 12,600 students with trade certifications,” said Avangrid Residential Manager of Conservation and Load Management Amy McLean. “Congratulations to these recent graduates, who are now positioned to make a significant impact on our community and environment, and can help homeowners reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and create healthier living spaces.”

Taught by certified industry experts, participating students had the option of selecting three educational tracks – Weatherization and Existing Building Upgrades; Decarbonization & Efficient Building Systems; and Green Building & New Construction. In addition to the program certificates, 51 students earned the Knauf Insulation certification, and 31 students received technical certifications needed for the green building and energy efficiency industries. Eleven students were also awarded Certificates of Excellence in their Education Track, including:

● Track A: Weatherization & Existing Building Upgrade Track

o Amaya Ortiz-Eller, Hamden

o Jaylin Rosario, Bridgeport

o Kaisean Hilton, East Hartford

● Track B: Decarbonization & Efficient Building Systems

o Samuel Le, Milford

o Jeronimo Restrepo, Bridgeport

o Clara Ortenzi, Orange

o Christopher Ramos, West Haven

o Roselyn Torres, Derby

● Track C: Green Building & New Construction

o Karen Jimenez, Meriden

o Alan Dicks, Bridgeport

o Kyyell Francis, East Haven

Work-ready training courses, such as heat pumps and geothermal, resume and interview prep, and decarbonization, were also available to all students.

Green STEP has provided industry training to the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) for over 10 years. The program expanded its curriculum in 2023 to include all high school students across Connecticut by offering Virtual After-School Certificate Training as well as the summer program, which is designed to educate and prepare students for careers in the green building and energy efficiency trade industries.

For more information about Green STEP, including how students can register for upcoming workshops and trainings, please visit EnergizeCT.com.

Don’t miss

• Mystic Seaport Museum to host 20th International Sea Glass Festival for third year
• Hartford Stage to present ‘Breakdancing Shakespeare: Hamlet’ July 25–27
• Summer of Sound: Free Children’s Concert Series returns to Levitt Pavilion

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

Farmington Polo Club

The Farmington Polo Club is set to offer a vibrant lineup of events this June, blending competitive polo with festive themes and family-friendly activities.

July 19, 2025 – Mashomack vs Farmington
July 26, 2025 – Argentina vs USA

Click here to purchase tickets

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater

Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods celebrates November with All Star Sumo, John Legend & a season like no other

ICYMI: Our top 5 visited stories of the week

More than 50 Connecticut students graduate from Green STEP Clean Energy Program