GIFFORD, Fla. – (Monday, March 31, 2025) – On Thursday, March 27th, the Gifford Youth Achievement Center’s (GYAC) 8th – 12th graders teamed up to build 10 Solar Suitcases for We Share Solar, with support from the Joyful Noise Foundation and The Learning Alliance of Indian River County. The Day of Service started with a special welcome from Joe Earman, Indian River County Commissioner District 3, Erik Delaney, president and owner of Climatic Solar, and Gigi Goldman, co-founder of We Share Solar.
GYAC students quickly jumped into the hands-on science and engineering activity, building 10 We Share Solar Suitcase kits. Each kit includes everything needed to build a stand-alone 12-volt DC solar power system. Now assembled, the solar suitcases will be sent to Kenya to assist schools in rural communities lacking reliable electricity. In addition to the solar suitcases, students in grades K – 8 prepared solar-themed science project boards, which explored the science of solar lights, stoves, burners, cars, and more.
Following the event, Gigi Goldman, co-founder of We Share Solar, remarked, “Thank you, GYAC, for hosting and supporting what I believe is among the most beautiful and impactful one-day events We Share Solar has ever experienced. We Share Solar is excited that GYAC will join our teacher cohort training and program later this year.”
The experience is part of We Share Solar’s Solar SolutionaryTM Program, a unique STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) educational experience that combines solar education with real-world impact to engage and inspire students to become the next generation of Solar Solutionaries. GYAC will join six schools in the county to help teach the Solar Solutionary Program this fall.
Through its support of The Learning Alliance and We Share Solar, the Joyful Noise Charitable Foundation provides funding to build and deploy the suitcases. The Samburu region of northern Kenya is known for its national preserve and dedication to conservation and wildlife protection. Still, the local community faces unique challenges — including minimal infrastructure — which hinder educational opportunities. In collaboration with Save the Elephants and Ewaso Lions, two organizations focused on a community-based conservation approach, the 10 suitcases will be installed in local schools and community centers, providing sustainable energy capable of illuminating two to three classrooms per suitcase. The solar power systems will also offer crucial charging capabilities for mobile phones and tablets, enhancing education and communication opportunities for over 7,000 Samburu students, teachers, and residents.
About GYAC
Gifford Youth Achievement Center, a 501(c)(3), opened its doors in 1998 to enhance the academic experience of underserved youth in Indian River County. Twenty-seven years later, GYAC continues to offer year-round educational programs for students in grades K -12. In addition, GYAC provides activities for adults and seniors. The Center also hosts job fairs, health clinics, and community gatherings and serves as an information hub for those in need of services.
