Courtesy photo
Wave Staff Report
DOWNEY — About 50 students from across the Los Angeles area attended an event May 1 to learn about opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers.
Southern California Gas Co. and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation hosted the event at the SoCalGas’ Energy Resource Center welcoming students from the Kollab Youth Workforce Development Program, and Dodgers Dreamteam participants.
Students engaged in a variety of sessions, including breakout modules on the life of an engineer, sustainability, and the application of STEM in sports. The sessions offered hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to interact with industry professionals.
Attendees also enjoyed a networking lunch with SoCalGas employees, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation representatives, and members of SoCalGas’ and the Dodgers employee resource groups, and speed networking provided a platform for conversations and mentorship about career paths in STEM.
Key speakers, included Andy Carrasco, vice president of communications, local government and community affairs at SoCalGas, and Rachel Resnik, chief program officer for the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, who shared their stories and emphasized the importance of higher education.
SoCalGas is committed to creating opportunities that spark interest and introduce new skills to help individuals pursue careers in the energy sector. Over the last five years, SoCalGas has sponsored more than 100 STEM events, awarded scholarships, and donated more than $2.5 million to organizations that support workforce development.
By partnering with the community and fostering interest in STEM fields, SoCalGas is helping develop the next generation of skilled professionals with initiatives that can open doors to careers for local youth while contributing to the overall growth and innovation within the STEM industry.
“SoCalGas is deeply committed to the transformative power of education,” Carrasco said. “This STEM event is a testament to our unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders.
“By equipping these young minds with tools and inspiration to pursue STEM careers and education, we are not just investing in their futures, but a brighter, more innovative world for all.”
Students also toured SoCalGas’ H2IE, an innovative microgrid with the first clean hydrogen-powered microgrid and home model in North America. The Energy Resoure Center was also the first building in California to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design “green building” recognition and is a model of advanced, energy-efficient, and environmentally sensitive building technology.
In addition, SoCalGas supports various workforce development programs to prepare the next generation of professionals. These initiatives include partnerships with organizations to provide training, mentorship and career advancement opportunities. SoCalGas also collaborates with local educational institutions to offer internships and apprenticeships, helping students gain practical experience and skills needed for careers in the energy sector.
