Earthrise Energy Awards $25,000 RISE Grant to Joliet Junior College

Support will expand early college access for high schoolers in skilled trade and technical fields 

The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Foundation has been awarded a $25,000 RISE grant from Earthrise Energy to expand access to the College’s dual enrollment advanced integrated maintenance (AIM) program, which provides high school seniors with the opportunity to earn college credit and credentials in high-demand technical fields, such as welding, industrial maintenance and electrical technology.

The AIM program serves students from Wilco Area Career Center, Grundy Area Career Center and Joliet Township High Schools and offers four college-level courses focused on electrical and mechanical maintenance. Upon completion, students earn 14 college credit hours and a certificate in integrated systems, giving them a strong foundation for careers in advanced manufacturing and industrial maintenance.

“This funding will make a real difference for students who want to get a head start on a technical career,” said Josh West, JJC’s dean of career and technical education. “We’re grateful to Earthrise Energy for helping us ensure that more students can benefit from the AIM program’s strong career pathways.”

Funding from Earthrise Energy will be used to eliminate financial barriers by covering tuition, fees and the cost of textbooks. This support will help ensure that interested students — regardless of income — can fully participate in the program and get a jump start in their career.

“Helping students launch successful careers in the energy and manufacturing sectors is a win for everyone,” said Talya Tavor, director of community engagement at Earthrise Energy. “We’re proud to invest in a program that equips young people with technical skills and strengthens the region’s workforce.”

With demand for skilled technicians growing across the region — especially in energy production — programs like AIM play a critical role in addressing workforce needs while creating accessible, affordable career pathways for students. Most students who complete the certificate program go on to pursue a technical degree at JJC, increasing their earning potential and long-term career opportunities.

For more information about the Joliet Junior College Foundation, visit www.jjc.edu/giving

Earthrise Energy’s RISE Grant program supports initiatives that strengthen communities through investments in education, mental health and community development. Through this program, Earthrise has awarded nearly $2 million in grants to organizations across Illinois. The Earthrise RISE Grant program is fully funded by Earthrise Energy’s own profits as a Public Benefit LLC. This reflects their commitment to reinvesting in the communities they serve. Earthrise Energy does not apply for, or receive, any government grants to support this program.

Earthrise Energy, an independent power producer, owns and operates 1.7 gigawatts of natural gas generation capacity and is developing 1.5 gigawatts of solar projects in the Midwest, including two Gibson City projects now under construction.

For more information about Earthrise Energy, visit www.earthriseenergy.com