LevelTen Energy is proud to welcome our 2024 Energy Scholars! The program is designed to address inequality in the clean energy industry by equipping students from underrepresented backgrounds with the education, mentorship, and networking they need to land jobs once they graduate.
From June 25 to August 16, our Scholars will attend educational sessions with LevelTen Energy and our partners. In addition, each Scholar will be connected with a mentor and provided with networking opportunities to meet people in the clean energy industry. During their time in the program, they’ll receive free housing through the University of Washington, as well as travel accommodations and paid internships that include real-world projects designed to boost their resume and experience.
In our Student Spotlights series, we are highlighting two Scholars each week. Get to know this week's Scholars and be sure to add them to your LinkedIn network:
Dima Aljamal | Connect with Dima on LinkedIn
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What's your name, school, major, and graduating year?
My name is Dima Aljamal. I am studying Quantitative Economics with a concentration in Data Science and International Relations at St. Olaf College, and I expect to graduate in May 2027.
Tell me about you. What's your elevator pitch in two sentences?
I am a driven Quantitative Economics student passionate about exploring the dynamics of sustainability and finance. I aim to leverage economic principles to develop innovative solutions that promote both sustainability and economic growth.
Why are you passionate about sustainability and renewable energy?
Growing up in a family affected by refugee experiences, I have witnessed the profound impact of resource scarcity and environmental challenges. My passion for sustainability stems from a commitment to creating a future where everyone has access to clean, renewable energy and a healthy environment.
What's your favorite project you've worked on so far as a student? How does this project demonstrate how you think and what you bring to a team?
One of my favorite projects was a group report on New York City for my Urban Economics class. I conducted research on economic trends, focusing on the city's inflation and affordability, which showcased my strengths in research and analysis. The collaborative effort with my team, combined with my organizational skills, ensured we maintained a clear outline and timeline.
What's the best advice you've heard, and what's the best advice you've given?
The best advice I have heard is to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. The best advice I've given is to always stay curious and never stop asking questions, as this fosters continuous growth and innovation.
Vivian Cao | Connect with Vivian on LinkedIn
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What's your name, school, major, and graduating year?
Vivian Cao, Vanderbilt University, Environmental Sociology and Human & Organizational Development Majors and Asian Studies Minor, 2025
Tell me about you. What's your elevator pitch in two sentences?
My identities include being Vietnamese, first-generation, a woman, queer, nonbinary, fashion connoisseur, gym bro, and environmental justice advocate. My mother put so much sacrifice into immigrating to America for me to become who I am today, and I work tirelessly towards equality everyday for a better future for those like her, who had to give up the best of their past.
Why are you passionate about sustainability and renewable energy?
"But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself.” — Rachel Carson
What's your favorite project you've worked on so far as a student? How does this project demonstrate how you think and what you bring to a team?
I recently spent six months in Vietnam researching the complexities faced by queer women as they reconcile their identities with prevailing cultural expectations. I persisted through numerous rejections, given the sensitivity of the topic and the reluctance of many to discuss it, and eventually was able to complete and present this research, even to my very religious and conservative host family as daunting as it was. No amount of no's will make me quit -- I make being stubborn a good thing!
What's the best advice you've heard, and what's the best advice you've given?
1. YOLO. Use it for every decision, big or small.
2. Call your mom.
Thank you to our sponsors
The Energy Scholars program would not be possible without our partners and sponsors, which include Clearway Energy, Energy GPS, Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc., Google, GridStor, Microsoft, SB Energy, and University of Washington. We’d like to thank them for their support! If any organizations would like to support the program as a sponsor, please reach out to Kirsten.Rota@LevelTenEnergy.com.
