A group of El Monte Union students with a strong interest in environmental science and sustainability received an inside look at the important work being done by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) at their newly built state-of-the-art Riverside Headquarters on November 8. While the students enjoyed the tour, the District’s newest all-electric school bus used for travel, was able to plug-in to the facility’s charging station and recharge.

The field trip began with an overview of CARB, providing students with valuable insights into the organization’s mission and the pivotal role it plays in safeguarding air quality and promoting clean energy solutions in California. The experience also gave students the opportunity to see themselves conducting work to help these efforts and be a part of the solution.

“I think it is fantastic to see students within our new facilities so they can gain a better understanding of who we are and what we do here,” CARB Grants Program Manager for Clean Transportation Incentives Heather Choi said. “We offer many jobs and career pathways across different sectors including engineering, science, law and various automotive opportunities, as well as a Riverside student internship program. We hope this trip leaves students feeling inspired to join CARB in its fight against air pollution and climate change.”

One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to CARB’s light-duty vehicle testing lab, where students had the opportunity to witness cutting-edge emissions testing technology and gain insights into the meticulous processes that ensure vehicles meet California’s strict air quality standards.

In the clean energy chemistry lab, students were introduced to several sustainable energy solutions that researchers developed through precise testing of vehicle fuels and evaporative analysis.This segment of the trip highlighted the critical work CARB does to drive advancements in clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The field trip also featured a visit to a public art installation on the CARB campus, where students explored the intersection of art and environmental consciousness. According to CARB, the installation serves as a reminder of the importance of public engagement in promoting environmental awareness and art in inspiring positive change.

“Today was extremely interesting and eye-opening. I learned a lot, especially when visiting the light-duty vehicle testing and clean energy chemistry labs and having the opportunity to see the endless positive possibilities that technology can achieve within our environment,” South El Monte High School’s Environment to Climate Action Club vice president and senior Meixuan Chen said. “After this experience, I am excited to share all the incredible work CARB is doing for our communities with my fellow peers and I am thrilled to know of the career options available to students.”

In 2020, El Monte Union was awarded a $9.8 million grant by the California Air Resources Board to fund a menu of Clean Mobility measures that promote the use of zero-emission vehicles and clean transportation options for students, parents and staff, with the added benefit of educational programs on clean mobility and innovative career technical education modules.

The Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project transformed mobility for EMUHSD by adding 11 electric school buses, 11 electric utility maintenance carts, and four electric ride-share vehicles allowing the District to serve more students and plan for more holistic, active transportation to ensure safety and improve congestion.

For more information, please visit the District’s Clean Mobility website.

“We are committed to providing our students with hands-on, real-world experiences that expand their horizons and inspire them to be environmental stewards. This field trip allowed our students to get an inside look at sustainable technology and the critical work CARB does to protect our environment and public health,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “I want to express my gratitude to CARB for their warm welcome and dedication to educating the next generation about the importance of clean air and sustainability.”

El Monte Union students receive a look inside the California Air Resources Board Riverside Headquarters during a field trip on Nov. 8. The trip provided students with valuable insights into the organization’s mission and the pivotal role it plays in safeguarding air quality and promoting clean energy solutions in California.

El Monte Union students visit a public art installation and explore the intersection of art and environmental consciousness during a field trip to the California Air Resources Board Riverside Headquarters on Nov. 8.