From the Field
KEEP Camp in action
The Sparrow Foundation connects underserved communities to careers in clean energy and energy efficiency through immersive education, workforce development, and community outreach programs.
The Sparrow Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency and clean energy through education, community engagement, and workforce development. We bring hands-on learning and industry mentorship directly to communities where young people have had limited access — not because of who they are, but because of where they live and what they have been exposed to.
Every program we deliver is customizable to match the needs of our community partners, funders, and local energy employers.
The Kids Energy Education Program is a five-day, all-day immersive summer camp exposing youth to energy efficiency, clean energy, and renewable technologies through real industry experiences.
A school-based program focused on energy efficiency career pathways, designed specifically for income-qualified and hard-to-reach youth who need direct access to the energy sector.
Interactive outreach events meeting communities where they are — at sporting events, carnivals, STEM nights, libraries, gyms, and more — including our Cocoa, Coffee and Clean Energy series.
Indiana's clean energy economy employs nearly 90,000 Hoosiers — but the pipeline is not keeping pace with demand. The Sparrow Foundation exists to bridge that gap, starting in the communities that need it most.
We target counties where unemployment is highest and clean energy investment is greatest — placing our programs exactly where they will create the most immediate workforce impact.
From school gymnasiums to community carnivals, we meet families where they are. Our outreach events connect 200+ people per event to clean energy information, career opportunities, and hands-on demonstrations.
Dawn Thorpe is an entrepreneur and community leader based in Fishers, Indiana with 20 years of experience in the energy industry. She founded The Sparrow Foundation to close the energy career awareness gap — bringing hands-on learning and real industry mentorship directly to underserved communities across Indiana and the nation.
Whether you are a funder, utility partner, school district, or community organization — we would love to explore how The Sparrow Foundation can serve your community.