Group of Fresno Unified students getting hands on trade experience while serving the community

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A group of Fresno Unified students are serving the community while gaining valuable trade experience.

DeWolf High School student Dymond Gaitan has a different view from her temporary classroom. Over the next two days, her school day is spent on a roof helping install solar panels for someone in need.

"It's really fun doing construction. Doing hands on-- I love that it's fast learning. It's easy, it's not too hard. And I enjoy it. Positive energy."

Gaitan and her classmates are working under Grid Alternatives. The company offers free or reduced-price solar panels to those who qualify. The house Gaitan is working on belongs to a lucky recipient who'll save thousands of dollars getting solar powered energy.

"They are applying the skills and the trade that they've learned in my class, now they're coming out to prove that they can do it. And they're really excited about being here and showing off their skills," said Dale Costa, DeWolf High School teacher.

The company lets the students learn valuable techniques for a job they could one day turn into a career.

"I wish we had this when I was younger. I would have been a lot better at this than I am now," said Toulee Vang, Grid Alternatives employee.

"Every time we work with students there's always one or two that really want to come out and do this," Vang added.

A skill set Gaitan is ready to put on her resume. One she couldn't get from a text book.