Empowering Communities for a Greener Future: The Story Behind Newark SAS and the Clean Energy Ambassador Program
Posted by [email protected] on Oct. 22, 2024 / Subscribe 0
Written by Jayson Smalls
Founded by Tobias Fox in 2012, Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc. (SAS) has become a key player in advancing environmental justice and sustainability in Newark, New Jersey. The NJ Clean Cities Coalition connected with Newark SAS through our EMPOWER workplace charging project, recognizing a shared mission to promote clean energy solutions. Tobias’s early work with solar technology, pedal-powered generators, and energy storage systems, combined with mentorship from solar technician and electrical engineer Damian Decaires, highlighted a significant gap in public understanding of green technology. Together, we’ve focused on bridging that gap, making clean energy more accessible through community-driven education and practical demonstrations.
One of the standout initiatives that aligns perfectly with the shared mission of NJ Clean Cities Coalition and Newark SAS is the Clean Energy Ambassador Program (CEAP). Launched in 2024, this six-week course is designed to provide Newark residents, particularly those with little prior exposure to clean energy or sustainable building practices, a pathway into the green economy. The program’s goal is ambitious yet clear: to build an inclusive green economy while equipping participants with both knowledge and advocacy skills to champion sustainability within their communities. NJ Clean Cities Coalition Co-Director, Caroline McCallum, was a featured speaker in the program, further strengthening the partnership between our organizations.
A Practical Approach to Green Technology Education
The Clean Energy Ambassador Program covers a comprehensive range of topics, including solar and wind energy, energy storage, vehicle electrification, and community green development. Each week is dedicated to a different focus area, providing participants with hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to engage with industry leaders. In the program’s first session, participants explore environmental justice—a subject central to Newark SAS’s mission. This session highlights the systemic barriers that have traditionally excluded marginalized communities from clean energy initiatives, setting a strong foundation of fairness and equity for the rest of the course.
In subsequent weeks, participants dive into the technical aspects of renewable energy. Sessions on solar energy, energy storage solutions, and wind energy are followed by an in-depth exploration of transportation electrification, focusing on reducing vehicle emissions in vulnerable communities—a topic particularly relevant to NJ Clean Cities Coalition’s expertise. Additionally, the program covers sustainable construction methods, such as insulated concrete forms and hemp blocks, showing participants how ecological building practices can support both community and environmental health.
Impact and Participant Profile
The Clean Energy Ambassador Program attracts participants from a wide range of backgrounds, with over 50% identifying as African American and a significant representation of women. Most participants are over the age of 34, and while many are Newark residents, the program also draws individuals from surrounding areas and even international participants. Despite limited prior exposure to clean energy certifications, these participants share a common enthusiasm and a strong commitment to contributing to a sustainable future.
The program is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their initial knowledge level. By breaking down complex topics into clear, practical lessons, participants are empowered to understand and apply the principles of clean energy in real-world contexts. Upon completing the course, participants receive a certificate recognizing their mastery of key concepts in New Jersey's clean energy transition, while also showcasing new workforce opportunities they can integrate into their careers.
Looking Ahead: Building a Sustainable Newark
Tobias Fox’s vision for Newark SAS goes beyond simply educating residents—it is about empowering them to become advocates and change agents in their own neighborhoods. The Clean Energy Ambassador Program is a significant step toward building a network of community leaders who can drive Newark’s transition to a greener, more equitable future. The program’s participants leave with not only knowledge, but a sense of purpose and the ability to engage others in the clean energy conversation.
With initiatives like this, Newark SAS continues to demonstrate the power of grassroots organizing and the importance of making green technology accessible to everyone. As Tobias Fox’s work shows, building a sustainable future requires more than technical expertise—it demands a commitment to inclusivity, practical engagement, and, above all, community.
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