📊 READ THE FULL 2026 TOP SCHOLARSHIP IMPACT REPORT HERE
San José City College, in partnership with Working Partnerships USA (WPUSA), recently launched a specialized cohort within the Trades Orientation Program (TOP) designed to prepare students for careers in the growing electrification and clean energy workforce.
Through a $100,000 investment from San José Clean Energy (SJCE), students received scholarship support to help offset living expenses while completing workforce training. This funding reduced financial barriers and enabled students to focus on developing the skills needed to enter registered apprenticeship pathways and high-demand careers in the skilled trades.
“The San José Clean Energy TOP Scholarship advances an equitable clean energy transition by supporting local students as they complete a pre-apprenticeship pathway into the building trades.”
— Lori Mitchell, Director, City of San José Energy Department
The results speak for themselves: 30 students enrolled and completed the program, 93% earned the full MC3 certification, and 100% earned at least one industry-recognized certification. In total, 26 students received scholarships, with approximately $5,000 in support per student.
This initiative reflects San José City College’s commitment to workforce development, student success, and equitable access to opportunity while helping build the skilled workforce needed to support our region’s transition to a clean energy future.