College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
6-2025
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Joseph Cleary, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service learning project that is aimed at installing solar power as well as lighting and a refrigeration unit at the homes of children on the Navajo Reservation who are without electricity. The project has a large team of players with vital roles in making the effort a successful and rewarding trip. The team this year was comprised of 20 students from California Polytechnic State University representing 4of the university’s colleges, members of the educationally based non-profit Heart of America (HOA), community outreach professionals from the solar contractor SOLV energy, a contingent of representatives from Nextracker, and faculty members of Illinois State University who wish to start a Skip the Grid program at their institution in following years. The team partnered with the Chinle Unified School District #24 to identify families in need of electricity for their students as well as providing guides and liaisons to ensure installations at home sites ran smoothly. Over 4 days, March 24 through the 27th, 5 groups installed solar panels, lights, and refrigeration at 40 home sites. This project is a great cumulation of a Construction Management education as well as an embodiment of Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” attitude. This year's team left the program in a proud spot, hoping to continue the tradition of service in years to come.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/895
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