Ameresco Supports Ritenour School District in Launching 'Path to Trades' Program to Empower Missouri High School Students

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 18, 2024--

Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, today announced the Ritenour School District Path to Trades (P2T) program, a two-year work-based learning initiative aimed at high school students in Missouri. Ameresco assisted with the development of the Path to Trades program and is a sponsor and mentor within the P2T program, which provides students with unique experiences in the construction trades, mentorship from industry professionals, and certifications that equip them with real-world skills and career readiness.

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The Path to Trades (P2T) program kicked off in October 2024 with an introductory "Lunch & Learn" session attended by over 30 students interested in exploring careers in skilled trades such as electrical work, sheet metal, environmental consulting, and roofing. Developed with the goal of introducing students to diverse career paths within the trades, P2T is designed to equip students with OSHA 30 and First Aid/CPR certifications, offered through Ameresco’s sponsorship. Throughout the program, ten freshman students are invited annually to participate, with opportunities to visit trade sites quarterly and meet industry mentors.

“Path to Trades represents a fresh approach to building the next generation of skilled workers,” said Lou Maltezos, President - Central & Western USA, Canada Regions. “Through mentorship, practical experience, and certification, we’re connecting students directly to potential careers, inspiring them to pursue paths that are essential to the nation’s workforce and infrastructure.”

As a company deeply invested in local community engagement and workforce development for all its projects, Ameresco is also collaborating with local trade unions and companies, such as IBEW Local 1 Electrical, Sheet Metal Workers Local 36, Enpaq, LLC, an Environmental Consulting firm, and CMT Roofing, to broaden students’ exposure to various trades and potential career pathways. By their junior year, students can pursue further training at North Tech High School, enabling them to graduate with enhanced skills and dual diplomas.

This program is part of Ameresco’s commitment to supporting the expansion of work-based learning initiatives across Missouri. As the Path to Trades program scales, the goal is to inspire a statewide network that prepares students for in-demand careers while addressing skill gaps in vital industries.

For more information about Ameresco and its renewable energy solutions, visit www.ameresco.com.

About Ameresco, Inc.

Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes solutions that help customers reduce costs, decarbonize to net zero, and build energy resiliency while leveraging smart, connected technologies. From implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources – we are a trusted sustainability partner. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, utilities, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

Path 2 Trades kickoff meeting (Photo: Business Wire)

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani veterinary surgeons found that a bacterial infection killed an elephant at a safari park in the city of Karachi earlier this month, a veterinarian with a global animal welfare organization said Wednesday.

Dr. Amir Khalil with the Vienna-based Four Paws told The Associated Press that the infection spread through 19-year-old Sonia’s body from her foot, raising concerns about how Pakistani authorities handle animals “as such infections don’t spread in one day.”

“We are very sad for Sonia,” he said, as criticism from animal lovers grew on social media about the neglect.

Four Paws said in a statement the autopsy was conducted last week and that Sonia's death was the consequence “of prolonged species-inappropriate living conditions and malnutrition ... This heartbreaking outcome underscores once again the urgent need for proper elephant management.”

There was no immediate comment from Pakistani officials, including the director of the safari park, Syed Amjad Hussain Zaidi, who had earlier said that the animal was healthy and died suddenly.

An African elephant's average lifespan is usually between 60 and 70 years in the wild, according to the World Wildlife Fund, and a bit shorter in captivity. Sonia, a small adult, was brought to Pakistan in 2009 with three other elephants. One of her companions, Noor Jahan, died at a Karachi zoo last year at the age of 17.

Sonia was recently reunited with her sister Madhubala, who was transferred from Karachi Zoological Garden last month to be with her family. Madhubala was separated from sisters Sonia and Malika about 15 years ago.

Four Paws, which made the post-mortem available on Tuesday, said the “microbiological results from Sonia’s autopsy revealed the presence of various bacteria. The source of the bacteria was an advanced abscess on Sonia’s foot which was recently discovered and treated during our stay for Madhubala’s relocation".

It also said Khalil sent a “prophylactic treatment plan" for Malika and Madhubala to authorities, urgently recommending antibiotic treatment, alongside blood tests for both elephants before and after the treatment.

Khalil said he planned to visit Pakistan in February to examine the remaining elephants but Sonia's death showed that better care was needed for the animals.

Pakistan has a troubled history with elephants in captivity.

In 2020, Kaavan, dubbed the “world’s loneliest elephant” after languishing alone for years in a Pakistani zoo, was sent to a Cambodian sanctuary for the much-needed company of other elephants.

Efforts to transfer Kaavan from Pakistan were supported by singer and actor Cher, who campaigned for his rescue.

Elephants are seen at the safari park in Karachi, Pakistan, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)