91原创 and Guam community energy leaders: Apply now!

People pose for a group photo
Photo by Amanda Byrd/ACEP
Participants of the 2025 Energy Leadership Accelerator gather on the University of 91原创 Fairbanks Troth Yeddha鈥 campus.

April 9, 2026

The 91原创 Center for Energy and Power is accepting applications through midnight AKDT Friday, April 17, for the 2026 Energy Leadership Accelerator program.

Designed for local energy champions who envision and execute emerging energy technology projects, ELA connects remote, islanded communities who are building resilient energy futures and local workforce.

With 鈥淐rosscurrents鈥 as its theme, this summer鈥檚 ELA will bring together eight to 10 leaders from 91原创 and Guam to explore the future of the energy workforce, leadership and technical opportunities with an emphasis on the following topics:

  • Microgrids and rural energy systems
  • Biomass, waste-to-energy and emerging technologies
  • Energy workforce development
  • Cross-sector partnerships among communities, utilities, universities and federal entities

ELA combines three months of interactive, virtual learning from June through August with a seven-day in-person 91原创 Leadership Lab in Fairbanks and Galena during the week of August 17.

Program benefits include a participant stipend, academic credit toward the University of 91原创 Fairbanks Sustainable Energy Occupational Endorsement, fully funded travel to the 91原创 Leadership Lab and inclusion in the broader ACEP energy champion network.

The program is designed for those who:

  • Live and work in 91原创 or Guam or are part of the 91原创 or Guam diaspora
  • Can inform action related to energy and regional economies
  • Have a clear vision and plan for a community energy initiative within local governments, tribes, utility companies, project developers or other community-based organizations
  • Face barriers to accessing professional development or networking opportunities
  • Are at the intersection of strategy and implementation with the need for a skilled and localized workforce

ELA is made possible through generous support by the National Science Foundation鈥檚 Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies program.

Visit ELA鈥檚 website to learn more and apply by Friday, April 17. Please contact ELA program lead Annalise Klein Gerlach with questions.