Energy Warriors

Exciting News!  Energy Warriors of Tompkins County has expanded to Chemung County.  Classes to start in October 2026 and complete in December of 2026. 

Brief History of this initiative that started in Tompkins County. 

   Energy Warriors began with a bold vision: that environmental literacy and green job training could be tools of liberation for youth caught in the justice system. 

Energy Warriors was founded in 2014 by Judge Marjorie Z. Olds with the vision of using environmental education and green job training to create opportunities for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. From 2015 to 2019, Judge Olds and Dr. Aloja Airewele delivered programming in multiple New York State juvenile facilities, providing hands-on sustainability education and career exploration. In partnership with the SEAT Center, the program also expanded technical training in environmental literacy and building science.

In 2021, Dr. Airewele relaunched and expanded Energy Warriors through the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, transforming it into a regional workforce development initiative serving returning citizens, veterans, low-income residents, and youth.  In 2026 the Ithaca based program has now expanded to Chemung County. 

Classes are free of charge to students. The cost is your time and dedication.  

Energy Warriors provides a 12-week training to prepare adults and youth for careers in an in – demand industry of green jobs. Where it has been challenging to recruit new hires with the right skills in these growing sectors. The training combines classroom, hands-on training, and industry certifications. All trainees are introduced to necessary hard skills for the industry and soft skills for success.

We emphasize important soft skills such as teamwork, professionalism, communication, and attendance. They learn to measure, insulate & air sealing, use power tools, cutting sheet metal, basics of electrical and plumbing. Industry certifications include OSHA 10, BPI Building Science Principles, NYSWDA’s Boot Camp for Weatherization Installers.

Some trainees may continue into an advanced pathway that offers additional certifications and specialized training, including: 100 hour heat pump installation course (Including EPA Section 608 certification), BPI Building Analyst- Technician or BPI Building Analyst-Professional. 

Eligible participants will receive stipends weekly. 

 For more information go to Energy-Warriors.org 

If you are a student interested in the program, please apply here.

If you are a business willing to support this initiative,  please contact Carol English. 

Partners include CSS Workforce New York, Corning Community College, Chemung County Department of Social Services.  

Last updated June 12, 2026