Sol Systems and REI Partner with Florida Atlantic University’s Pine Jog Center to Expand Climate Resilience Education

Sol Systems, an independent power producer specializing in clean energy infrastructure, and REI Co-op, the nation’s largest consumer co-op, have announced a new Community Impact Program in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University’s Pine Jog Environmental Education Center. This initiative is designed to broaden access to climate resilience education for high school students in Palm Beach County.

The program builds on REI’s purchase of renewable energy certificates from Sol Systems, generated from a portfolio of solar projects across Florida, including the recently built Silver Palm Solar Energy Center. Through this partnership, Sol Systems and REI are demonstrating how corporate sustainability investments can yield direct benefits for local communities, linking clean energy procurement with educational opportunities.

As part of the collaboration, Florida Atlantic’s Pine Jog will expand its Climate READY Institute and H2O to Go! Residential Summer Research Program, enabling up to 48 high school students to participate in immersive, college-credit-bearing residential experiences. Students will engage in hands-on fieldwork across South Florida’s wetlands, rivers, and coastal ecosystems, and connect with environmental scientists. The goal is for these students to return to their communities as climate resilience ambassadors. Collectively, program participants are expected to reach more than 2,000 peers and neighbors through community presentations.

This partnership exemplifies Sol Systems’ Infrastructure + Impact™ approach, which pairs clean energy development with innovative community programs to drive lasting economic and environmental outcomes. By linking clean energy procurement with local educational initiatives, Sol Systems and REI are helping ensure that the benefits of solar energy extend beyond electrons to strengthen resilience and opportunity for the next generation of environmental stewards.

“Infrastructure + Impact is our guiding principle,” said Susanne Fratzscher, Vice President of Strategic Solutions at Sol Systems. “With REI, we are building a new model for how corporate investments in domestic clean energy projects can also deliver measurable, lasting benefits for communities. This program is a leading example of how the industry can innovate to fuel both our future and our neighborhoods.”

Jay Creech, Manager of Net Zero at REI, added, “At REI, our co-op’s sustainability commitments go hand in hand with supporting the local communities where renewable energy projects are located. We are proud to work with Sol Systems and Florida Atlantic’s Pine Jog to invest in students who will become tomorrow’s climate leaders.”

Reflecting on the program’s impact, Ray Coleman, Director of Florida Atlantic’s Pine Jog stated, “This program will give local students an unparalleled opportunity to study South Florida’s ecosystems and develop skills that can shape their careers and communities. Thanks to this partnership, we can reach more youth and help them become ambassadors for climate resilience.”

Adaora IfeBigh, Senior Director of Community Impact at Sol Systems, emphasized the significance of the partnership, expressing that, “This collaboration reflects Sol Systems’ belief that renewable energy projects provide the opportunity to extend benefits to communities. Together with REI and Florida Atlantic’s Pine Jog, we are demonstrating how clean energy development can spark education, resilience, and long-term opportunity.”