Alaska and Guam community energy leaders: Apply now!

April 9, 2026

The Alaska 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 “Crosscurrents” as its theme, this summer’s ELA will bring together eight to 10 leaders from Alaska 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 Alaska Leadership Lab in Fairbanks and Galena during the week of August 17.

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

The program is designed for those who:

• Live and work in Alaska or Guam or are part of the Alaska 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’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies program.

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