New Energy Equity has launched a scholarship program tied to a new community solar project in Machesney Park, Ill., committing $10,000 per year to Harlem School District students for 25 years — a total investment of $250,000 in local education.
A solar energy company is putting its community investment on paper — and into students’ futures. New Energy Equity, a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE Inc., has launched a scholarship program for students in the Harlem School District in Machesney Park, Ill., awarding $10,000 annually for the 25-year life of a newly energized community solar project. Over the life of the program, the total scholarship investment will reach $250,000.
The scholarships were announced as part of a June 24 celebration marking the official activation of a 5.5 megawatt community solar project built on land owned by the school district. Four seniors from Harlem High School’s Class of 2026 were recognized at the ceremony as the inaugural scholarship recipients, honored for their academic and athletic accomplishments.
“Today we celebrate more than the completion of a project, we celebrate the beginning of a transformative partnership between our school district and New Energy Equity,” Harlem School District Superintendent Terrell Yarbrough said in a news release. “This collaboration represents what can happen when organizations come together with a shared vision for the future. It is a partnership that will have a lasting impact, not only on our schools but also on our students, our community, and future generations.”
A Partnership Rooted in Community Benefit
The community solar project sits on district-owned land and is operated by New Energy Equity. Each year, it is expected to generate approximately 8.3 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity — enough to power more than 1,000 Illinois homes annually. In exchange for leasing the land, Harlem School District receives annual lease payments and utility bill credits that help reduce energy costs across its nine schools, all without requiring taxpayer-funded construction.
The scholarship program is layered on top of those financial benefits, creating a direct link between the district’s clean energy investment and student opportunity. ComEd customers in the area can also enroll as community solar subscribers and receive credits on their electricity bills.
“We’re very proud of this project at New Energy Equity because of all the positive benefits it delivers,” added Kyle Marchesseault, VP of marketing at New Energy Equity. “It delivers benefits for the school district in the form of lease revenue and electricity bill savings. It benefits four deserving, accomplished students through scholarships. And it provides more energy for the local community at a time of rising electricity demand.”
Source: New Energy Equity