This fall, we are celebrating five years of partnership with Energy Outreach Colorado.
Since 2021, Arrupe Jesuit students have worked alongside the Energy Outreach Colorado team while earning money through our Corporate Work Study Program to help pay for their education. Energy Outreach Colorado helps Coloradans afford and sustain their home energy, so our students’ work there directly serves families across our state.
One of those students is Daniela, who works primarily with EOC’s Community Solar Team. This year, Daniela manages data, helps send monthly mailings to program participants, and writes monthly research reports on solar industry news. She has also stepped in to support other programs across the organization.
Morgan Sarao, Solar Program Manager at Energy Outreach Colorado, has watched Daniela grow into her role.
“Since starting with our team, Daniela has become more familiar and confident with our processes,” Morgan said. “She has developed a better understanding of the Community Solar Program. She has also become more independent in completing tasks and knowing what steps need to be taken next.”
That growth has made a real difference for the people EOC serves. With Daniela’s help, the team can respond to participants more quickly and re-enroll eligible families in its solar gardens sooner. Her support also takes administrative work off the program coordinator and manager, freeing them to focus on other important program needs.
For Morgan, the best part has been seeing the impact of Daniela’s work. “One of my favorite things has been seeing Daniela become more comfortable and confident in her role. Seeing that growth and knowing that her work is directly helping our participants has been great.”
“We really appreciate having Daniela as part of our team,” Morgan added. “Her willingness to learn, help wherever needed, and support our participants has been valuable to the Community Solar Program.”
Jennifer Gremmert, CEO of Energy Outreach Colorado, echoed that sentiment and reflected on what makes the partnership so valuable on both sides.
“Energy Outreach Colorado has been honored to partner with Arrupe Jesuit High School through its Corporate Work Study Program. Educating students on the need for energy affordability has multiple benefits, and Daniela, our current student, is helping to enroll families into our Community Solar Garden Programs which will ultimately save them money. Students learn about all of our programs and their feedback on how we can improve the experience for families is invaluable. Additionally, through EOC’s Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP), Arrupe Jesuit High School has received support for energy-saving facility improvements — such as lighting, HVAC, and insulation upgrades — which lowers operational costs so the school can focus more resources on student education. I can’t say enough about the program, and for EOC it is a truly win/win!”
Daniela’s experience shows what makes this partnership so meaningful. She is building real skills, taking on real responsibility, and seeing firsthand how her work changes lives. At the same time, Energy Outreach Colorado is investing in the next generation of leaders in clean energy and community service.
After five years, our partnership with Energy Outreach Colorado is a powerful reminder of what happens when an organization opens its doors to young people. It means creating opportunities, believing in students, and helping build a stronger, more sustainable future for Colorado.
Arrupe Jesuit combines classroom education with real-world work experience, giving students the opportunity to learn, earn, and prepare for their futures at the same time. This past spring, our Class of 2026 showed exactly what that looks like: 94 graduates, a 100% college acceptance rate, placements at 22 colleges and universities across the country, and over $31 million in scholarships earned. 90% of those students will be the first in their families to attend a college or university of their choosing.
We are deeply grateful to the entire Energy Outreach Colorado team for their commitment to Daniela, our students, and our mission. Here’s to many more years together.
