The Good Jobs in Clean Energy Prize through the American Made Challenges is a transformative opportunity designed to build robust, equitable job pathways in the clean energy sector. With a total prize pool of over $3 million, this competition aims to stimulate coalition-building across the country, fostering quality jobs and an inclusive workforce.

What is a Good Job

A good job offers fair pay, comprehensive benefits, career growth, predictable scheduling, and a safe, inclusive environment. It supports workers’ rights to join unions and ensures proper job classification with minimal use of contractors.

Prize Structure: Three Phases to Success

The Good Jobs in Clean Energy Prize is structured in three distinct phases, each designed to help coalitions create and sustain high-quality clean energy jobs. The competition is open to coalitions that include diverse stakeholder groups working together to improve job quality and access in the clean energy sector.

Phase 1: Coalition Formation

In the initial phase, up to 15 coalitions will each receive $50,000. To win, coalitions must:

• Identify a specific clean energy employment opportunity and workforce challenge within a target community.
• Demonstrate strong partnerships that include at least one representative from each of the following five key stakeholder groups:
  • • • • Labor organizations
        • Clean energy employers
        • Community-based organizations
        • Public agencies
        • Education and workforce providers

Phase 2: Coalition Action Plan

In this phase, up to 10 coalitions will be awarded $100,000 each. Successful coalitions will:

• Participate in a virtual training led by the U.S. Department of Energy on High Road economic and workforce development strategies.
• Develop a comprehensive Coalition Action Plan that outlines strategies to create quality, accessible jobs and training partnerships in the clean energy sector.

Phase 3: Implementation and Impact

The final phase offers substantial rewards to coalitions that successfully implement their action plans:

• First place: $300,000
• Second place: $250,000
• Third place: $200,000
• Seven runner-up coalitions: $125,000 each

Winning coalitions will also engage in community-of-practice activities and quarterly check-ins with prize administrators to track progress and share insights.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Phase 1: Coalition Formation – Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
• Phase 2: Coalition Action Plan – Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Phase 3: Implementation and Impact – Application Deadline: November 20, 2026

Upcoming Events and Support

Prize administers, CEBN, and other Power Connecters are hosting events and office hours until the prize deadline to support potential applicants. See below for upcoming events and support opportunities (check back for updates):

• November 21 – Town Hall (Mid-West & Western) with AABE
• December 13 – Group office hours with Clean Energy Business Network
• December 19 – Town Hall (Southwest & Southeast) with AABE
• Ongoing – Group office hours with Entrepreneur Futures Network
• Ongoing – Group office hours with AABE

Event Recordings

• • Good Jobs Prize Informational Webinar – October 3, hosted by NREL and DOE
  • Coalition Building for a Clean Energy Workforce – October 28, hosted by CEBN

Additional Resources

For more information on the prize, applicants should review the following resources:

• Good Jobs in Clean Energy Prize Official Rules
• Phase 1: Cover Page – Template
• Phase 1: Coalition Formation Narrative Template
• Energy Justice Mapping Tool – Instruction Guide
• Instructions on Registering on HeroX as a Team or Individual
• Frequently Asked Questions