FAQs

Young people, ages 18 to 24 years old, that currently live in Los Angeles County (proof of residency required) are eligible for the program. Other requirements include:

• Interest in learning about the cleantech economy (no prior industry or work experience is required)

• Commitment to 12 weeks of required, on-camera, virtual sessions, 2x a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-6:30 p.m.)

• Availability to attend MANDATORY, in-person sessions, including the kick-off event, graduation ceremony and at least two scheduled employer site visits in the L.A. area

• Access to an internet-enabled device and Wi-Fi; on-camera presence is required

• Must meet specific income requirements

• Must be U.S. work eligible and meet Selective Service requirements (males 18+).

Click here to be redirected to the online application. For more information on the process and key dates, please visit the How to apply page.

The fall cohort will begin coursework in September and end in December 2026. Upon successful completion of the program, students will then be placed into internships/jobs relevant to their skills and levels of experience.

Learning objectives delivered through the Cleantech Academy experience will provide exclusive access to a diverse network of industry leaders and employers. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:

Weeks 1-2
Intro to cleantech & soft skills bootcamp

Weeks 3-10
Cleantech industry spotlights & group project work

Weeks 11-12
Final project showcase & mock interviews

Weeks 13-14
Internship/job placement

Weeks 15-24
Real-world work experience

Post-Cleantech Academy
Scholarship to support continued training and career development. Potential for part or full-time employment

See Curriculum highlights for more details.

UNITE-LA will contact applicants to alert them to their application status.

Internships and jobs are not guaranteed. However, our goal is that 65% of students that graduate from the program will receive employment opportunities through our employer network.

The program will be mostly virtual, with key events, like the kick-off and site visits, held in-person. Students will engage with one another online via breakout sessions, group projects and discussions over Slack and Zoom.

Live trainings will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6:30 p.m. PT. All other training will be pre-recorded or project-based where students meet outside of live sessions to complete their group projects.

The program will feature guest speakers with extensive experience across the cleantech industry. From water to renewable energy, guest speakers from large corporations and public agencies throughout Los Angeles will speak to their individual experiences and provide critical insight and guidance on careers within the industry.

Community building is a high priority, and the program will provide opportunities for students to engage with one another, including networking, breakout rooms, group mentorship and coaching and one-on-one conversations with peers and faculty through Slack, Zoom and in-person settings.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the program.

There’s many different ways to get engaged. As a partner, you can help define the program’s learning objectives and curriculum, and provide on-the-job training, work-based learning activities, career exploration and resources or funding. Visit Partner with us to learn more.

For additional questions, please contact UNITE-LA at cleantech@unitela.com.