BayREN youth program celebrates 25 years

Climate Careers — a groundbreaking program developed by Rising Sun Center for Opportunity and a current Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) offering — is celebrating 25 years of empowering youth with meaningful work opportunities while building a climate-resilient future. 

BayREN has supported Climate Careers’ growth and regional impact since 2019, expanding the reach of energy efficiency services while underscoring a shared vision of a sustainable, equitable future. As of 2024, the Climate Careers program became part of the BayREN program portfolio. 

“We are excited that this BayREN collaboration is expanding Climate Careers in the Bay Area,” said Glendie Domingo, Director for Climate Careers.

Originally launched as an initiative by and for youth, Climate Careers has grown into a model program at the intersection of equity, climate, and career development. The organization has trained over 3,000 youth and adults, helped more than 62,000 households reduce their carbon footprint, and pioneer holistic, high-road workforce programs in the Bay Area and the Central Valley.

Climate Careers provides young adults between 15 and 24 from low-income households with hands-on experience through Green House Calls — in-home or virtual energy efficiency and water conservation services. Last year alone, the program trained 43 Bay Area youth, serving 2,001 households. 

“Climate Careers is about more than jobs — it’s about building social capital and creating lasting change for our young people,” said Shay Hart, Rising Sun’s Workforce Initiatives Manager.

This early career opportunity has expanded to include an additional 120-hour, climate-related externship, offering valuable job skills and insights into green career pathways. All Climate Careers youth come from low-income households and are often from the same communities they are serving. The initiative not only provides employment but also instills a sense of community and purpose, guiding participants toward sustainable careers and economic mobility. 

As Climate Careers celebrates its 25^th anniversary, the program is setting ambitious goals for the future. Plans include expanding into new geographies, advocating for high-road climate careers statewide, and continuing to uplift communities through education, employment, and climate action. To learn more about Climate Careers and hear stories from program graduates, visit Rising Sun’s Anniversary Report. 

BayREN is a collaboration between the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the nine San Francisco Bay Area Counties formed in 2012 to promote energy and resource efficiency. As one of the state’s five Regional Energy Networks (RENs) – with a sixth pending approval – BayREN provides regional-scale energy efficiency programs, services, and resources that reflect the needs of local residents, property and business owners, governments, and more.