Career Advancement

All-State Grad Helps Add "Soul" to North Philly's Solar Energy

Career AdvancementMarch 22, 2018

Photo courtesy of Generocity Philly.

A few years ago, environmental concern among members of the Serenity House men’s support group was activated by cocoons transforming into butterflies. Their interest led to the creation of “Serenity Soular,” a Serenity House-Swarthmore College collaboration that raises money for solar panel installations in North Philadelphia.

As part of its mission of introducing community residents to green economy job opportunities, Serenity Solar runs an apprenticeship program with Solar States that, ideally, leads to full-time employment in the solar energy field. Of the two apprentices to-date who landed jobs at Solar States, one is Germantown resident and All-State Career School-Essington graduate Ky Sanders, whose story was recently featured on the Generocity Philly website.

Sanders, who was homeless for a time while taking classes at All-State Career School, said the classes motivated her to keep pushing forward, despite several challenges. “There’s a lot in North Philadelphia that’s not sustainable, but the areas residents certainly are,” Sanders notes. “Give them an opportunity, and they’ll take it.”

Sanders definitely is a great example of that resilience. Not only is she working today in a job she enjoys, she’s showing North Philly residents they’re capable of succeeding in green jobs that can lead to neighborhood growth. Beyond that, she‘s seeking to inspire the next generation to follow in her footsteps. Sanders helped teach high school students about solar power through presentations to Benjamin Franklin High School in Spring Garden and A. Philip Randolph Career and Technical High School in Nicetown last summer.

To think – Sanders’ fascination with electrical work that was sparked (no pun intended) by a high school auto mechanics class, was brought to reality through her studies at All-State Career School in Essington and apprenticeship with Serenity Soular.

All-State Career School-Essington continues to bring career dreams to reality in a variety of fields today. Students can follow their interests and prepare for a career that can open up new opportunities in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and Paramedic training, Medical Assistant and Dental Assisting programs. The campus can provide the education needed to find success in whichever field of study you choose. Visit our Essington Campus page to learn more.


To read the original article about Serenity Soular, visit Generocity Philly here