Energy Communities AmeriCorps VISTA Bloomberg - SI Now Y1

As energy opportunities expand, coal and power facility jobs are declining across the United States. This VISTA project will develop and advance programs that increase environmental awareness and stewardship, job training, employment pathways, and access to existing federal and community resources for low-income individuals living in energy transition communities.

SI Now serves as a regional economic development hub and unified voice for the 17 southernmost counties of Illinois to advance this coal-impacted region. Three priorities are identified as gap areas: business growth and development, marketing the region, and education and workforce development. So as not to duplicate efforts, a comprehensive partner inventory was developed, and partnerships secured. Since its 2022 inception, SI Now has been diligent about ensuring that our coal communities are aware of and have the resources to successfully apply for energy communities funding and other opportunities designed to assist our priority region. Despite funding agency¿s technical assistance and other resource programs, a critical gap in grant identification, application preparation assistance, and grant administration still exists. As a result, communities intended to benefit from these opportunities are falling further behind. SI Now¿s 17-county footprint is diverse with communities ranging from a university town to river towns, to interstate communities, and small towns each with their own unique draw to welcome visitors from across the country and around the world. The vision for this VISTA role is to serve as a regional contact for communities seeking project funding assistance. The VISTA will also assist with community capacity building training to ensure program sustainability after the VISTAs completion.