Innovative collaboration expands free EV charger maintenance certification program, bridging the gap between veteran expertise and the booming electric vehicle industry
Richmond, VA, March 19th, 2025 – Edtunity Institute, Inc and SkillFusion have secured a second round of funding from Electrify America to expand their groundbreaking EV Diagnostic Technician certification program. This strategic investment will provide 65 hours of specialized training in electric vehicle charger operations and maintenance for veterans, National Guard members, and military reservists. The program, which has already enrolled the first round of veterans, addresses critical workforce needs in the rapidly growing EV charging infrastructure sector while offering service members lucrative career opportunities in green technology.
Edtunity, a minority-owned and veteran-led 501c(3) organization, is dedicated to continuing education and workforce development for transitioning military members and underrepresented communities. In collaboration with SkillFusion, a first-of-its-kind software platform transforming operations and maintenance (O&M) in the renewable energy sector, the two organizations are leveraging this second-round investment from Electrify America to equip participants with the certifications and skills necessary to help address the critical workforce needed in the sector.
The funding is part of Electrify America’s brand neutral zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) initiatives to drive access, awareness, and consideration of ZEVs. This effort exemplifies the power of collaboration in upskilling veterans, National Guard members, and Reservists, creating pathways to impactful careers, and ensuring the sustainability of the EV industry.
“Veterans and service members possess an unmatched dedication and skill set, making them ideal candidates for this fast-growing industry,” said Elaina Farnsworth, co-founder and CEO of SkillFusion. “Through this partnership, we’re providing veterans with not just training but a pathway to rewarding careers in EV maintenance and operations, ensuring they’re prepared to lead in this vital space.”
Electrify America’s second-round funding for Edtunity will expand program offerings for Veterans and service members to further their Diagnostic Technician skills. This program initially provided an introduction to the operations and maintenance field and successfully enrolled veterans and service members in 2024. This new offering builds upon SkillFusion’s groundbreaking credentialing system, offering non-electricians the tools to service EV chargers’ communication and networking systems—a key requirement for the efficient operation of charging networks.
“The workforce of the future is critical to the success of the industry,” said Robert Barrosa, president and CEO of Electrify America. “Electrify America’s investments in STEM education and workforce development are creating real opportunities through the work of community based organizations like Edtunity and SkillFusion.”
SkillFusion’s certification program provides a comprehensive charger-agnostic skill enhancement curriculum that covers every aspect of EV charger operations. This includes ecosystem understanding, diagnostics, communication technologies, and safety. Participants who complete the 65-hour program earn a recognized credential that opens doors to roles in diagnostics, technical support, and collaboration with electricians and installation program managers.
Once credentialed, veterans are guided by Edtunity Institute in looking for placements with EV charger service providers across the region.
“As a veteran, I understand the importance of providing the tools and skills necessary to support our veterans, National Guard and Reservists,” said Marianne Watson, Advisor to Edtunity Institute. “Edtunity is an avid supporter of training veterans so they can reenter the workforce with confidence and purpose.”
“This partnership allows us to create tangible pathways for veterans and others to transition into the thriving EV market,” said Jimmie L. White, founder and CEO of Edtunity. “Thanks to Electrify America’s continued investment, we’re empowering veterans and underserved communities with opportunities to lead in green technology.”
About Edtunity
Edtunity Institute, Inc. (Edtunity), a minority-owned and veteran-led 501c(3) organization partnered with SkillFusion, an EV curriculum and learning platform, both dedicated to continuing education and workforce development for transitioning active duty military, National Guard and Reserve members and underserved populations. The investment provides 65 hours of EV Diagnostic Technician operations and maintenance charger infrastructure vocational training to transition service members to electric transportation. For more information, visit: www.Edtunity.org.
About SkillFusion
SkillFusion is revolutionizing operations and maintenance (O&M) services for electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) providers by creating the largest credentialed workforce pipeline in North America. Through its innovative training and dispatch platform, SkillFusion ensures service providers have instant access to skilled technicians, minimizing EVSE downtime and maximizing network reliability. To learn more, visit: www.SkillFusion.com.
