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Skip the Grid: Bring Solar Energy to the Navajo Nation

courtyard view of engineering building 192
Written By CENG MarCom Team

Apply by Oct. 31

Over a third of the 173,000 residents of the Navajo Nation do not have access to electricity. Through Skip the Grid, Cal Poly students can help change that.

Cal Poly is partnering with SOLV Energy, the largest solar contractor in the United States, and Heart of America, a foundation dedicated to improving educational environments in the U.S. During Spring Break, students will travel to the Navajo Nation to install solar panels, lighting and refrigeration systems while also educating children in the community.

The project brings together students from diverse fields and expands Cal Poly’s “learn by doing” philosophy into “learn by doing together.” Student work includes:

  • General project logistics
  • Solar equipment installation
  • Creating user manuals
  • Navajo culture education
  • Navigating material transportation obstacles

Interested? Fill out the interest form by Oct. 31. Follow the team on Instagram at @skipthegridcalpoly.

Skip the Grid Flyer