COSSA Institute
Providing the necessary tools, training, and resources to grow and expand the solar and storage industry to keep up with market demand for clean energy
Mission Statement
The COSSA Institute is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) organization focused on accelerating the clean energy movement through community investment. The COSSA Institute provides the necessary tools, training, and resources to grow and expand the solar and storage industry — keeping up with market demand for clean energy.
The COSSA Institute Agenda
Since 1989, the Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA) has been leading the charge of growing the industry and laying the groundwork to reach 100% clean energy in Colorado. By expanding solar and storage markets, we’re generating jobs and prosperity for all Coloradans. With a firm commitment to build deeper, trusted and collaborative relationships in these communities, the COSSA Institute is committed to supporting and amplifying the impact of the growing industry in Colorado through three key priority pillars:
Educating Local Leaders and Decision Makers
- Providing an easy-to-use guide on the myths and truths of solar and storage
- Creating in-person engagement opportunities such as Solar 101 demonstrations, educational site tours, energy panels, convenings
Creating Public Awareness and Dispelling Misinformation
- Educating the community on the benefits of clean energy and combat misinformation and myths about the solar and storage industry
- Explaining local regulations and incentives, as well as career opportunities in the solar and storage field
- Developing comprehensive communications, marketing, and social media toolkit to combat misinformation and change public perceptions toward solar and storage projects – ultimately leading to new, skilled jobs across Colorado and especially in rural communities
Growing a Skilled Clean Energy Workforce in Colorado
- Provide thought leadership and convenings of public, private, and nonprofit partners centered on ensuring workforce challenges and solutions so that more Coloradans, especially in rural communities, are able to join this rapidly growing industry
- Work with industry partners and educational institutions to develop programs to grow an inclusive workforce that spans the state
COSSA Institute
Community Impact:
The COSSA Institute is committed to supporting and increasing COSSA’s work by growing the solar and storage industry through education and community involvement.
Support of the Institute allows us to build a pipeline for accredited professionals while educating both lawmakers and communities on the benefits of solar and storage.
Who We Are
COSSA Institute Leadership
KC Becker
Executive Director
KC Becker is the new CEO of the Colorado Solar and Storage Association and Executive Director of the COSSA Institute. Most recently, she was President Biden’s appointee to lead Region 8 of the Environmental Protection Agency, overseeing EPA’s activities in 6 western states.
Prior to that, she completed 4 terms in the Colorado legislature, culminating as the Speaker of the House. As a state legislator, KC led a variety of major environmental efforts, including laws to reform the oil and gas industry, create statewide greenhouse gas reduction requirements, and update the Public Utility Commission’s authorizing statute.
Before serving in the Colorado legislature, she served four years on Boulder, Colorado’s city council. She worked for seven years as a public lands attorney at the U.S. Department of the Interior.
She graduated with a degree in Government from the College of William and Mary, earned her JD from Lewis and Clark Law School with a certificate in environmental law, and earned an MS in Real Estate Finance and Development from the University of Denver Daniels College of Business. She lives in Boulder with her husband, two sons, and French bulldog.
Jeremiah Garrick
Manager of Community Engagement & Strategy
Jeremiah Garrick joined COSSA full-time in 2022 as the organization’s Local Community Liaison after earning a Bachelor of Science in Energy and Sustainability Policy from Pennsylvania State University. In 2024, he transitioned to the COSSA Institute, where he currently serves as Manager of Community Engagement and Strategy.
A Colorado native, Jeremiah works at the intersection of renewable energy, community engagement, and local government. His work focuses on helping communities, elected officials, and stakeholders navigate complex energy issues through education, technical assistance, and convenieng. He has spearheaded outreach efforts and events across Colorado on renewable energy siting, energy storage, utility planning, agrivoltaics, permitting, and all scales of clean energy development.
Drawing on experience working with local governments, utilities, developers, and nonprofit organizations, Jeremiah is passionate about ensuring communities have access to clear, balanced information about energy development. His work emphasizes practical solutions that support local priorities while advancing Colorado’s clean energy transition.
Become a Supporter
Suggested Levels of Support
Clean Energy Champion: $10,000
Clean Energy Ally: $5,000
Clean Energy Supporter: $500
Friend of Clean Energy: $25
COSSA Institute Is Supported By
Clean Energy Champions
AES Corporation
JUWI
Logan Simpson
NextEra Energy
Pivot Energy
Clean Energy Allies
Clean Energy Supporters
Friends of Clean Energy
Atlasta Solar Center
Canadian Solar
Honeywell
Jordan Energy
Leeward Renewable Energy
NRDC/E2
Pinegate Renewables
RWE Clean Energy
SWCA Environmental Consultants
Contact Us
COSSA Institute
1536 Wynkoop Street, Suite 104
Denver, CO 80202