Fort Lewis College, Fundamental Needs’ Oasis Project, and the Rural Clean Energy Partnership are collaborating to expand off-grid solar power and clean water access for families on the Navajo Nation.
A $150,000 grant from the Honnold Foundation will support off-grid solar installations, solar-powered water systems and hands-on renewable energy training for high school and Fort Lewis College students—strengthening clean energy education and solar workforce development across the Four Corners region.
The initiative combines off-grid solar engineering, clean water access, and student workforce training, advancing community-based renewable energy solutions for Tribal communities while preparing future engineers and solar professionals.
The partnership builds on the Fundamental Needs Oasis Project, which has delivered over 220 off-grid water systems to families in Rock Point, Sweetwater, Red Mesa, Arizona, Shiprock, and Farmington, New Mexico, since 2021. The model has helped teach, train, and hire local high school students. At Fort Lewis College, the effort is led by Engineering Professor Laurie Williams, who has worked in Navajo Nation communities for eight years to improve access to off-grid energy.
“We’re excited to be joining forces with Fundamental Needs,” Williams said. “This collaboration meets two critical needs: providing families with access to clean energy and clean water while giving students real-world experience that opens pathways to careers in renewable energy.”
Fundamental Needs Executive Director Justice Ramos said about 15,000 homes on the Navajo Nation lack access to electricity, representing roughly 75% of all unelectrified homes in the United States. About one-third of the population lacks access to safe drinking water, he added.
“This project integrates solar infrastructure, clean water systems, and workforce development to address persistent energy insecurity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and build long-term community capacity in renewable energy,” Ramos said. “Our teach, train, and hire model empowers local high school students with hands-on skills in plumbing, solar installation, and water system maintenance.”
The team will install 15 solar home systems, comprising panels, battery storage, inverters, electrical hardware, and safety components, to provide reliable electricity for lighting, refrigeration, heating, water pumping, and essential appliances. Each home will also receive a solar-powered water system featuring a 550-gallon storage tank, pump, and three-stage filtration system to deliver clean water for drinking and sanitation purposes.
The Honnold Foundation also provides support for student internships, apprenticeships, and solar home systems. A two-day professional development event will bring students to campus for hands-on lab experiences and networking with clean energy professionals.
For participating families, the impact is both immediate and long-lasting. Transitioning from generators to solar power reduces household energy costs, improves air quality, and eliminates the need for long-distance fuel transport. Solar-powered water systems reduce water-hauling burdens and expand access to safe drinking water, strengthening community health and food security.The collaboration positions Fundamental Needs and Fort Lewis College as regional leaders in renewable energy education and off-grid engineering solutions serving Tribal communities.