Google contributes quarter of a million dollars to Virginia clean energy workforce initiative

In 2025, Google contributed $250,000 to the Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative (EEWI), led by the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC). The EEWI trains the next generation of workers on how to provide energy efficiency and weatherization services, such as home insulation and upgrading to more energy-efficient appliances. Through widespread recruitment, hands-on training programs, and retention efforts, the EEWI brings in new workers to Virginia’s growing energy economy and helps them thrive throughout their careers.

Chelsea Harnish, executive director of the VAEEC, celebrated the contribution. “Google’s support for energy-efficiency job training comes at a critical time as we ramp up to meet the growing demand for these jobs,” she said. “Allowing the Council to expand our programs statewide will make a tremendous difference in helping the Commonwealth train and certify the needed energy-efficiency workforce of the future.”