Students from disadvantaged communities in the San Fernando Valley were encouraged to imagine themselves contributing to a more sustainable future for the planet.
More than 400 middle school students from Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) schools attended the Future Green Leaders Summit, an interactive STEAM career and resource fair held at Discovery Cube in Sylmar on October 24th.
“Today, we are here to inspire you to think about the future of college and careers in a green, clean energy economy,” said Michael Orr, Los Angeles County Internal Services Director, during the opening speech. He spoke to the students in his address.
“I hope these experiences will inspire you to think about how you can bring about positive change. Each of you can play your part in protecting our environment and reducing the threat of climate change. You can.”
Energy heroes attend the Future Green Leaders Summit at Discovery Cube in Sylmar on October 24. (SFVS/el Sol Photo/Semantha Raquel Norris)
The second annual summit, held for the first time in the San Fernando Valley, was hosted by Los Angeles County through the Workforce Education and Training Division of the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN).
“The real purpose of this event is to connect students with the green energy sector and start thinking about the jobs that are available as we transition to a more sustainable economy,” said Summit Leader and SoCalREN Director said Francisco Parra Camacho, curriculum director.
Pala Camacho, a former science teacher, said she planned the event with a focus on “providing children with experiences that are fun, engaging, authentic and connected to the real world.”
Students explore the Resource Fair booth during the Future Green Leaders Summit at Discovery Cube in Sylmar on Oct. 24. (SFVS/el Sol Photo/Semantha Raquel Norris)
Throughout the day, middle school students explored the Discovery Cube’s interactive exhibits, learned about sharks from the California State University Long Beach Shark Research Institute, and gathered information from numerous resource booths provided by government and industry partners.
They felt the power of the Santa Ana winds, examined shark teeth, brought home native fire-resistant plants, and discussed the possibility of participating in programs such as Career Technical Education (CTE) Cooperative Learning available at local LAUSD high schools. Ta.
Stephanie Marlene Esquivel, 11, of San Fernando Middle School, said she learned some new information about sharks, but the best part of the day was cheering on solar power with an energy rap battle.
Upon arrival, students were greeted by eight energy superheroes in spandex suits representing all forms of energy production, from wind and solar to ethanol and nuclear power. They then showcased their talents in an “Energy Battle Royale” where they rap battled about green energy sources and showed off their dance moves, which were judged by students.
Students explore the Resource Fair booth during the Future Green Leaders Summit at Discovery Cube in Sylmar on Oct. 24. (SFVS/el Sol Photo/Semantha Raquel Norris)
“That kind of experience stays with our students,” Parra-Camacho said. He credits the experiential oceanography program he attended while growing up in South Central Los Angeles as his first introduction to a STEM career path.
He hopes these students will be similarly inspired by their experience at the Future Green Leaders Summit.
The event was free to low-income students, primarily in Title 1 schools, and funding was provided by state utility rate payers.
“Anyone who uses SoCal Edison and SoCalGas as their utility provider will have a small surcharge added to their utility bill that goes towards these programs, meaning they are not funded by ratepayers. “This is a program that will help people make the most of their time,” said Wendy Angell, Emerald City Regional Director.
“Sometimes school districts and schools don’t have the funds to implement these programs,” said Angell, whose husband grew up in Pacoima and taught at Pacoima Middle School. That is important,” he added. Our low-income communities, our underprivileged communities, participate in these programs. ”
Raquel Chacon, a climate change champion and health, science and math educator at Pacoima Middle School, said the event was unique to the East Valley because people often have to travel far to get these types of opportunities. He said he was excited that the event was held.
The team that organized the Future Green Leaders Summit on October 24th at Discovery Cube in Sylmar. (SFVS/El Sol Photo/Semantha Raquel Norris)
“All the students were very engaged,” Chacon added, impressed by the children’s programming. “By giving kids tools and resources, they know they have the power to make a difference.”
Chacon said when students express their concerns about the climate, she tries to emphasize sustainability, renewable resources, and career paths that allow students to be part of solving climate change problems.
“I tell them, ‘You can do this, too,'” Chacon said. “But it was just awesome to be here and meet people who do the kind of work I always talk about.”
She said the Future Green Leaders Summit helped reinforce what she has been teaching her students in the classroom by allowing them to make connections and imagine the future of the field for themselves. I believe it.
“I think it was extremely important, especially being able to see people who looked like us in those jobs,” Chacon said.
