Community Engagement at Great River Energy

Abstract

This capstone project, conducted in partnership with Great River Energy, examines strategies to enhance community engagement, especially around clean energy initiatives, internal coordination, and stakeholder involvement. Utilizing a mixed methods approach that included interviews with GRE staff and stakeholders, observations, and focus groups, our research identified key barriers such as low participation, inconsistent communication, and the challenge of sustaining long-term relationships, particularly with students. Our findings emphasize the importance of meeting communities where they are through accessible education and early involvement, reducing awareness and logistical barriers, and supporting cultural and social inclusivity through targeted outreach. Our report also highlights the need for consistency in project operations, including uniform visuals, cross-divisional communication, and consistent project communication plans, to improve transparency and information sharing. Recommendations include addressing participation barriers through early engagement and tailored messaging, providing mentorship to students, and forming partnerships with high school organizations such as FFA chapters to support professional and workforce development. Overall, this project advocates for a consistent and strategic approach to community engagement that encourages long term trust, boosts community participation, and aligns internal practices with community needs, supporting the transition of GRE’s members to clean energy.