BFCC Advances Renewable Energy, Workforce Training, and Net-Zero Goals

Blackfeet Community College (BFCC) is advancing tribal energy sovereignty through a new 2026 Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF)-funded project with Tribal Energy Alternatives (TEA). The project will expand renewable energy capacity on the BFCC campus while supporting student learning, workforce development, and the college’s ongoing commitment to net-zero operations.

The 2026 project includes a 20.54 kW agrivoltaic system and a 2.37 kW water pumping station. The project will support BFCC’s sustainable campus operations while creating opportunities for student learning, workforce development, and future renewable energy training.

This project builds on a longstanding partnership between BFCC and TEA. The partnership began with a U.S. Department of Energy-funded project in 2020, with 53.2 kW of rooftop solar installed across four BFCC campus facilities in 2021. The systems were installed at Red Fox, Muskrat Lodge, Medicine Shield Fitness, and Little Star Child Care. These projects demonstrate BFCC’s continued commitment to integrating renewable energy into campus facilities and advancing its net-zero goals.

The partnership has also played an important role in strengthening workforce training and supporting the development of renewable energy skills. Since 2023, TEA’s Workforce Development team has developed three distinct solar training programs for BFCC students, providing hands-on opportunities to develop skills in the growing clean-energy sector.

Through BFCC’s Workforce Development Department and related partnerships, 41 students and community members have completed IBT Installation Basics training. The 2.5-week training provides hands-on experience and certifications in OSHA 10 Workplace Safety, First Aid and CPR, and IBT 200.

Looking ahead, BFCC is planning an additional 148 kW DC roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the college campus in 2027. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the project will further reduce the college’s reliance on conventional energy sources and advance BFCC’s long-term net-zero goals.

“The college energy champion team continues the vision of Oahkanipstakii (bringing everyone together) to advance student skills and leadership. The college perpetuates respect through alignment with kiitawahsin (the land) by connecting students and community through skills training and curriculum design. Solar has advanced the college toward becoming a living lab through student-led projects and community and tribal partnerships,” said Melissa Weatherwax, Director of Institutional Development at Blackfeet Community College.

“This project is a testament to Blackfeet Community College’s commitment to environmental and energy stewardship and its goal of becoming a net-zero campus. By harnessing the sun, a sacred symbol of life and renewal in the Blackfeet culture, the college is advancing opportunities for education, training, and research that can have a lasting impact on the Blackfeet Nation as a whole. This work reflects a commitment to years of planning for the responsible stewardship of our land and energy resources, while preparing students to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for our community,” said BFCC President Brad Hall.

Together, these investments position Blackfeet Community College as a leader in renewable energy education, workforce development, and sustainable campus development while creating opportunities for students and the Blackfeet community to participate in the growing clean-energy economy.