[Archived] Energy Masters Volunteer Training Program Expands to Alexandria

For Immediate Release: August 18, 2015

The award-winning Energy Masters program, which trains volunteers in energy efficiency, water conservation, and community education and outreach, is expanding to Alexandria. 

Alexandria joins program partners Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE), Arlington Thrive, and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) in developing a corps of volunteers who, upon completion of an extensive training program, will engage in 40 hours of community service over the course of a year. Volunteers will provide education to Arlington and Alexandria residents who live in affordable housing, while making improvements to their homes.  

Now in its fifth year, the program has trained more than 120 volunteers, who have provided thousands of hours of community service to improve the lives of more than 480 families living in affordable housing developments.

“I am very excited to see the expansion of the Energy Masters program to Alexandria,” said Mayor William D. Euille.  “Through the work of volunteers, this program not only improves the comfort and quality of our assisted housing, but also helps the City meet environmental goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” 

The program is accepting applications for community and student apprentice volunteers for the fall training program, which starts in September.  The student apprentice program is open to college students and high school students ages 16 and over. Information is available at ArlingtonEnvironment.org/energy.

The program, created by ACE in partnership with VCE and Arlington Thrive, is funded with support from the Arlington County Community Development Fund, the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy, the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services and the City of Alexandria.  Affordable housing and social services partners include AHC, Inc., the Arlington County Department of Human Services, and the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority. 

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.

This news release is available at: www.alexandriava.gov/86601.