Stacks+Joules
Overview
Stacks+Joules is a nonprofit organization that focuses on project-based learning, job placement, and career development in the field of building automation. Founded in 2017 by Michael Conway, the organization is based in New York, United States. Stacks+Joules aims to address the labor shortage in the building automation and energy management systems industry by training tech-marginalized youth and adults. They have raised funds through various grants, including a $50,000 grant from the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) Green Economy Fund in 2024.
Recent Developments
- May 2024: Stacks+Joules received a $50,000 grant from the CHPE Green Economy Fund to expand their tech training programs.
- October 2022: The organization partnered with Google to transform the Lower Eastside Girls Club into a Diversity in Automated Buildings Laboratory (DAB Lab). This lab is designed to train women out of school and work in building automation systems with a $400,000 award supporting the initiative.
- June 2023: Stacks+Joules co-hosted a demo and networking session, showcasing graduates from their building automation and energy management program at the Henry Street Settlement. This event was aimed at connecting employers with new talent.
- August 2023: The program for young adult cohorts opened, targeting NYC area graduates to join their specialized training program.
- November 2023: Continued collaboration with the Smart Buildings Academy to ensure trainees are hired by top companies in the BAS industry.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2017 |
| Headquarters | New York, NY, United States |
| Founders | Michael Conway |
| Key Investors | CHPE Green Economy Fund |
| Industry | Education, Workforce Development |
| Number of Employees | 11-50 |
Early History
Stacks+Joules was established in 2017 with the mission to provide career opportunities in building automation systems. Its founder, Michael Conway, recognized the potential to close the gap in representation within the tech industry by equipping marginalized communities with vital skills in IT and building automation. The organization began by conducting training sessions in partnership with community programs and educational institutions in New York. It aimed to provide a hands-on learning environment, focusing on the practical application of newly acquired skills.
Company Profile and Achievements
Stacks+Joules operates through a model deeply embedded in project-based learning. They emphasize a curriculum that not only teaches the necessary technical skills in building automation and IoT but also provides learners with real-world experience and industry connections.
- Partnerships: Notable collaborations include partnerships with Google and the Smart Buildings Academy, which play a crucial role in enhancing their training programs.
- Impact: The organization has been successful in training numerous cohorts, primarily consisting of tech-marginalized youth and adults, thus contributing to narrowing the workforce gap in the building automation sector.
- Funding and Growth: Growing support through grants and partnerships has allowed the organization to expand its operations and increase its outreach to more communities.
Current Operations and Market Position
Stacks+Joules focuses on training individuals for careers in building automation, with a keen interest in creating a diverse and tech-savvy workforce capable of adopting modern building solutions. They provide a unique curriculum designed to prepare participants for immediate employment in high-demand roles, especially as the need for energy-efficient building solutions grows.
Conclusion
Stacks+Joules is pivotal in addressing workforce needs in building automation, particularly for underrepresented groups. Their emphasis on combining technical training with real-world applications positions them as a significant contributor in fostering a skilled labor force capable of meeting the challenges in building automation and energy management systems. As they continue to grow and attract partnerships, they seem poised to expand their impact significantly in the years ahead.