PRESS RELEASE: Illinois Power Agency Wins National Clean Energy Awards for Illinois Shines Mentorship Program and Solar Consumer Protection Initiatives

Mentorship Program

Piloted in 2023 and fully launched in 2024, the Illinois Shines Mentorship Program is designed to expand access to opportunities within Illinois' growing clean energy economy. The program provides participants with live virtual training sessions covering Program processes and requirements, one-on-one support from Illinois Shines staff, and direct connections to experienced clean energy businesses serving as volunteer mentors. Through these resources, participants build the knowledge, relationships, and business capabilities to successfully participate in the Illinois Shines program.

"The IPA is honored to have the Illinois Shines Mentorship Program recognized for demonstrating how targeted support can expand participation in Illinois' clean energy economy while creating new opportunities for historically underrepresented businesses," Illinois Shines Program Manager Andrea O'Shea said. "This award is a testament to the program's continuously evolving model under the stewardship of the Illinois Shines team and its Program Administrator Energy Solutions, as well as invaluable contributions of the mentors and mentees whose commitment has made the program a success."

Since the initial pilot, the IPA has implemented three additional mentorship cohorts, refining and expanding the program each time. The 2024-25 cohort grew to 20 mentees, a 40% increase from the pilot. For the 2025-26 cycle, the Agency introduced both spring and fall cohorts to meet growing demand and broaden participation. Since the program's inception, Mentorship Program graduates have submitted more than 335 project applications to the Illinois Shines program and successfully energized 180 solar projects across Illinois.

Additional Mentorship Program lifetime performance indicators, as well as testimonials from mentees, can be found in the 2025-26 Mentorship Program Final Report, published July 2026.